Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes - basics

If diabetes occurs for the first time during pregnancy, it is usually known as gestational diabetes. The disturbed sugar metabolism not only puts a strain on the mother's health, but can also have far-reaching effects on the child's development if left untreated. In most cases, this form of diabetes regresses after pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can develop as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Hormones change the sugar metabolism, particularly in the second half of pregnancy, when the fetus' energy requirements increase. Hormones such as cortisol, progesterone and human placental lactogen change the insulin effect or increase the formation of new glucose.

This all leads to the mother's blood sugar level rising and more sugar being supplied to the fetus via the placenta. Normally, the pancreas can compensate for the increased demand by releasing more insulin. If this is not sufficiently possible, the blood sugar level remains elevated. This affects the supply of energy and growth during pregnancy.

What are the risks of gestational diabetes?

Untreated gestational diabetes can pose risks for both mother and child. In the child, it often leads to excessive growth, increased birth weight, breathing problems after birth and hypoglycaemia. For the mother, the risk of infections, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and premature births increases. In the long term, both are more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, obesity or secondary diseases such as high blood pressure later on.

Keep blood sugar stable

With gestational diabetes, it is important to keep the blood sugar level stable. This is achieved through nutritional therapy and, if necessary, insulin, whereby both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia should be avoided. Instead of avoiding sugar and carbohydrates, foods rich in carbohydrates with a low glycemic index are recommended.

Rare and special sugars as an alternative

A conscious selection of Types of sugar with a low glycemic index can be helpful here. Classic sugars such as glucose or table sugar are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, while alternatives such as Galactose, Isomaltulose, Tagatose or Trehalose are metabolized more slowly and can therefore provide a more even supply of energy. These differences are based on their chemical structure and individual metabolism. This makes it clear that not all sugars have the same effect and that some can serve as a more conscious choice as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

• Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that can impair insulin action.
• Sugars such as galactose, isomaltulose, tagatose or trehalose differ significantly in their GI and energy content.
• While classic types of sugar such as glucose and sucrose are absorbed quickly, other types of sugar enter the bloodstream more slowly or are only partially utilized.