Cómo prevenir la diabetes gestacional: 4 consejos para un embarazo saludable

If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you’ve probably heard the term gestational diabetes at your doctor’s office. It can sound scary, but here’s the good news: there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk if you know how to prevent gestational diabetes.

Let’s go over how to prevent gestational diabetes with practical, doctor-approved tips that support both you and your baby’s health. Remember, you can always talk with your OBGYN if you’re worried about your risk for gestational diabetes.

What causes gestational diabetes?

First, let’s define gestational diabetes. This condition occurs when a woman’s body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the additional demands of pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels become too high, it can lead to gestational diabetes.

Hay varios factores de riesgo que pueden aumentar la probabilidad de que una mujer desarrolle diabetes gestacional. Éstas incluyen:

• Tener sobrepeso u obesidad antes del embarazo
• Tener antecedentes familiares de diabetes
• Haber dado a luz previamente a un bebé grande (más de 9 libras)
• Ser mayor de 25 años
• Tener presión arterial alta o colesterol alto
• Tener antecedentes de diabetes gestacional o síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP)

Si tiene alguno de estos factores de riesgo, hable con su obstetra/ginecólogo sobre su riesgo de diabetes gestacional y qué medidas puede tomar para prevenirla.

A la mayoría de las mujeres con diabetes gestacional se les diagnostica mediante una prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa o una prueba de provocación de glucosa, que es una práctica estándar en la atención prenatal alrededor de las 24-28 semanas. Para la prueba, su nivel de azúcar en la sangre se mide una hora después de beber una solución azucarada. Los resultados indican si usted podría tener diabetes gestacional.

Gestational diabetes carries a few risks for baby, including increased risk of needing NICU time, birth trauma due to larger size, jaundice and breathing difficulties. Giving birth to a large baby can also increase the mother’s risk of complications like difficult labor, vaginal tearing or emergency C-section.

However, rest assured that most women who develop gestational diabetes have healthy babies and successful deliveries. It simply means you’ll need a little extra monitoring and self-care throughout your pregnancy journey. Your OBGYN may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for more specialized high-risk pregnancy care.

Cómo prevenir la diabetes gestacional

Now, let’s talk about how to prevent gestational diabetes. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to lower your risk with lifestyle and diet changes to keep you and baby healthy.

1. Mantener un peso saludable

Una de las formas más efectivas de prevenir la diabetes gestacional es mantener un peso saludable antes y durante el embarazo. Tener sobrepeso u obesidad puede aumentar el riesgo de diabetes gestacional y otras complicaciones durante el embarazo.

If you are overweight, your provider may recommend that you lose weight before becoming pregnant. If you’re already pregnant, talk to your doctor about healthy weight gain during pregnancy. A registered dietitian may be a helpful resource if you’re not sure where to start.

2. Coma una dieta saludable

Comer una dieta saludable también es esencial para prevenir la diabetes gestacional. Antes y durante el embarazo, asegúrese de comer una variedad de alimentos saludables, incluidas frutas, verduras, cereales integrales y proteínas magras.

Avoiding sugary drinks and foods can also help keep blood sugar levels in check. Additionally, it’s important to eat regular, balanced meals to help regulate blood sugar levels—so, don’t skip meals just for the sake of cutting your food intake.

3. Hacer ejercicio regularmente

Exercise can also help prevent gestational diabetes. Regular physical activity can help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Before starting a new exercise routine, talk to your healthcare provider about an appropriate exercise plan during pregnancy. It’s important to find an activity you enjoy, whether that be walking, yoga, Pilates or strength training.

4. Controle su nivel de azúcar en la sangre

Otra forma de prevenir la diabetes gestacional es monitorear sus niveles de azúcar en la sangre. Su OBGYN puede recomendarle que se someta a una prueba de detección de diabetes gestacional durante su embarazo. Si tiene un alto riesgo de diabetes gestacional, es posible que deba someterse a pruebas adicionales.

You can monitor your blood sugar levels at home with an at-home blood glucose meter before and after meals, or try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) if you have access. Keep in mind these may not be covered by your insurance.

Gestational diabetes symptoms

Worried you might have gestational diabetes and wondering what signs to look out for? Gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why screening during pregnancy is so important.

But some women may experience gestational diabetes symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea or blurred vision. In some cases, women might also experience more frequent infections, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections, which can be linked to higher blood sugar levels.

These gestational diabetes symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for typical pregnancy discomforts, making it easy to overlook them. If you’re pregnant and noticing any of these changes, or have risk factors like obesity, a family history of diabetes, or were diagnosed with gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, talk to your doctor about early testing and management.

Bottom line: How to prevent gestational diabetes

La diabetes gestacional puede tener graves consecuencias tanto para la madre como para el bebé. Pero si comprende sus factores de riesgo y toma medidas para prevenir la diabetes gestacional, puede tener un embarazo saludable y un bebé saludable.

Si le diagnostican diabetes gestacional, preste mucha atención y siga el plan de tratamiento de su proveedor de atención médica. Esto puede incluir hacer cambios en el estilo de vida, como comer una dieta saludable y hacer ejercicio con regularidad, así como tomar medicamentos para ayudar a controlar los niveles de azúcar en la sangre. Asegúrese de controlar regularmente sus niveles de azúcar en la sangre y asista a todas las citas de seguimiento con su obstetra y ginecólogo.

If you’re at high risk for gestational diabetes, talk to your OBGYN about steps you can take today. You can also navigate each trimester with confidence with Pregnancy Care, our virtual pregnancy program for expecting moms.

Encuentre un obstetra cerca de usted