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Gestational diabetes, a specific form of diabetes, arises during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes previously. It generally develops during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and can have an impact on how the body uses sugar. Due to high blood sugar levels, the health of both mother and baby can be affected.
Although gestational diabetes generally resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes development in the later stages of life, and can result in pregnancy complications, unless managed effectively. It is important for you to understand the top risk factors for this type of diabetes, for early detection, prevention and effective treatment.
Too much weight or obesity before pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Excess amount of fat can make the body insulin-resistant. When there is a rise in insulin resistance, the body struggles to maintain normalcy in glucose levels. It can be tougher for the body to effectively process blood sugar during pregnancy. This raises the risk of developing gestational diabetes and can also lead to overall pregnancy management complications.
If a woman has a family history of Type 2 diabetes, it can raise her risks of developing gestational diabetes. If a sibling or parent suffers from diabetes, it is indicative of a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance. During pregnancy, this inherited risk can get more apparent when blood sugar regulation becomes more difficult due to hormonal changes. Women having strong family history of diabetes need to consult a healthcare provider for screening and preventive guidance during early pregnancy.
If a woman has had gestational diabetes in some earlier pregnancy, she is likelier to experience it again. The rate of recurrence can be quite high, particularly if poor lifestyle habits, weight gain or other contributing factors stay unchanged. Previous history of gestational diabetes also shows a tendency to suffer from insulin resistance in maternity, which is likely to repeat unless one takes proactive measures.
Age is another major risk factor. Women over 25 years of age, and especially those above 35, are at more risk of developing this condition. With increased age, the body loses its ability to use insulin efficiently. Naturally, older pregnant women are at more risk of developing gestational diabetes although younger woman can also have it. However, advancing maternal age is a contributing factor to this condition.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a critical risk factor too. This hormonal disorder commonly affects women of reproductive age. It is related to increased androgen levels, irregular periods and insulin resistance. Women suffering from this condition often suffer from metabolic problems that put them at more risk of suffering from gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Some of this risk can be mitigated by maintaining a balance lifestyle before pregnancy and addressing PCOS.
Statistically, some ethnic groups are more susceptible to developing this condition, such as women of Pacific Island, Native American, Hispanic, African-American or South-Asian descent. The exact causes of this issue are still being research, although socio-economic factors, dietary habits and genetic predisposition are believed to contribute to this predisposition.
Giving birth to bigger-sized baby in an earlier pregnancy, generally over 9 pounds or 4 kilograms in weight, may indicate poorly managed or undiagnosed gestational diabetes during that pregnancy. It can also indicate that the body tends more to allow too much glucose to cross the placenta, resulting in fetal overgrowth. This condition is also referred to as macrosomia, which increases gestational diabetes risks in future pregnancies and also increases the risk of delivery complications.
Women with a sedentary lifestyle are also at more risk of suffering from this condition. Blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity can be regulated through regular physical activity. The lack of such activities before or during pregnancy can make women experience weight gain and suffer from insulin resistance issues. Exercise, on the other hand, can help them to maintain healthy weight levels and boost glucose metabolism, reducing their risk of gestational diabetes significantly.
In this condition, blood sugar levels in the body are higher than normal although not as high as to be regarded as diabetes. Women having this condition before pregnancy are more susceptible to developing gestational diabetes. Unless early interventions and lifestyle changes are made, they can be at high risk of developing this condition.
Having such foods and drinks can lead to weight gain as well as result in rapid blood sugar level spikes. Over time, this can result in metabolic stress and impaired insulin function. This can increase the risks of gestational diabetes.
Emerging research indicates that depression, anxiety and other mental health issues can have an association to gestational diabetes. Addressing such mental health problems can be useful in managing overall pregnancy health.
it is evident that gestational diabetes can arise due to a combination of physiological, lifestyle and genetic factors. By consulting healthcare providers on time, both mothers and babies can enjoy a safer, healthier pregnancy, and reduce the risks of long-term complications easily.
June 13, 2025
