Is Your Lifestyle Raising Your Gestational Diabetes Risk? Find Out Here

Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and change. However, it also comes with a number of health concerns that one should be aware of. One such concern is gestational diabetes. In this condition, blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that affect the normal functioning of insulin within the body.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Anu Sridhar, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, explained that gestational diabetes can affect any expecting mother, even those with no previous history of diabetes. However, lifestyle habits play a crucial role than most people realize. While factors like age or family history cannot be controlled, everyday choices, including diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress, can influence the risk.

Link Between Lifestyle and Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs when hormonal changes during pregnancy disrupt the body's ability to regulate insulin. This, in turn, causes glucose levels to rise in the blood. Dr Sridhar shared that the hormonal imbalance is caused by certain lifestyle factors. Such as:

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1. Sedentary Lifestyle

Modern living requires sitting for extended periods, at desks, in cars, or even resting due to pregnancy-related fatigue. But what sedentary behaviour does is that it reduces insulin sensitivity, making it harder for the body to control glucose.

“Physical inactivity makes the body resistant to insulin. Even light, regular movement significantly improves blood sugar control,” said Dr Sridhar.

2. Excessive Weight Gain or Pre-existing Weight Concerns

Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy, but gaining too much weight too quickly raises the risk of gestational diabetes. Women who begin pregnancy overweight or obese already have a higher baseline risk.

3. Diet High in Refined Carbs and Sugary Foods

Cravings are a common thing during pregnancy, but giving in to desserts, sugary drinks, processed snacks, and refined carbs, including white bread and baked goods, causes blood sugar spike very quickly.

Dr Sridhar added that diets deficient in nutrients, mostly fibre and protein, may cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin response, consequently leading to gestational diabetes.

4. Stress and Poor Sleep

Stress is not just emotional, but also hormonal. High stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases blood sugar. Inadequate sleep further disrupts hormone balance, increasing insulin resistance.

5. Underlying Conditions

Certain health conditions carry greater risk of gestational diabetes. These include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Previous history of gestational diabetes
• Family history of Type 2 diabetes

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How to Lower the Risk of Gestational Diabetes?

The good news is that gestational diabetes can often be prevented, or effectively managed with lifestyle changes. Here are a few ways:

Balanced Eating

Dr Sridhar recommended consuming a nutrient-dense diet which would help stabilise the blood sugar. Such as:

• Whole grains include oats, brown rice, whole wheat rotis
• Lean proteins: Egg whites, fish, dal, paneer, tofu
• High-fiber foods: vegetables, fruits with skin, legumes
• Healthy fats: nuts, avocado, olive oil
• Pair the carbs with protein or fiber to avoid sudden sugar spikes.

Stay Active

Light to moderate activity enhances insulin sensitivity and controls weight gain. Dr Sridhar suggested to try:

• Prenatal walks
• Swimming (after medical approval)
• Prenatal yoga or stretching

Sleep and Stress Management

Deep breathing, meditation, and guided prenatal yoga are relaxation techniques that could help control stress hormones there by cutting the risk of gestational diabetes.

Get Timely Screening

Screening for gestational diabetes typically happens during the second trimester, or around 24 to 28 weeks. Early diagnosis starts the management process immediately, therefore minimising risks to the mother and baby.

Bottomline

Gestational diabetes is linked not only to biological factors but also to everyday lifestyle. A nutritious diet, proper exercise, stress management, and regular check-ups provide an excellent guard against this disease.