What is the link between pregnancy and diabetes?

Pregnancy and diabetes are closely connected because the hormonal changes during pregnancy can significantly affect how the body uses insulin. Here’s what to know: (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Pregnancy Raises Insulin Resistance: During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta (human placental lactogen, oestrogen, cortisol) naturally increase insulin resistance. This means the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Pregnancy can unmask hidden Type 2 Diabetes: Some women already have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes before pregnancy. Pregnancy screenings often reveal it, because glucose tests are routinely performed. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Why Some Women Develop Gestational Diabetes: For some pregnant women, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to overcome this resistance. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, this is called gestational diabetes. GDM usually develops in the second or early third trimester. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Effect on the Mother: If untreated, high blood sugar during pregnancy can cause high blood pressure or preeclampsia, complications during delivery, increased need for C-section and higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Higher Risk if you have PCOS: Women who have prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a family history of diabetes or obesity are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes because their baseline insulin resistance may already be elevated. (Source: Photo by unsplash)

Effects on the Baby: Uncontrolled high blood sugar can lead to large birth weight (macrosomia), low blood sugar after birth, breathing problems and higher risk of obesity or diabetes later in life. (Source: Photo by unsplash)