Patient's question:
I recently saw a news report that the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women is very high. I would like to ask, what are the symptoms of gestational diabetes in pregnant women?Doctor's answer:
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women: The "Three More, One Less" PhenomenonSymptoms include polyphagia (excessive hunger), polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination), and weight loss. Symptoms of gestational diabetes also include a higher susceptibility to fungal infections and hyperemesis gravidarum during the early stages of pregnancy. During the second trimester, diabetes symptoms may subside. However, in the later stages of pregnancy, symptoms may worsen if there is a risk of induction, cesarean delivery, or infection. These symptoms are often accompanied by macrosomia (large for gestational age), polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid).
Women over the age of 30 are more likely to experience symptoms of gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include a family history of diabetes, obesity, recurrent spontaneous abortions, a history of unexplained preterm birth, stillbirth, perinatal death, or congenital anomalies. Chronic hypertension in pregnant women, positive glycosuria, recurrent infections, fetuses larger than gestational age, polyhydramnios, and symptoms such as polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria are also indicators. If abnormalities are detected, further glucose tolerance testing should be conducted.
Due to the multiple factors contributing to gestational diabetes, regular health check-ups are essential for prevention. Typically, at 24 weeks of pregnancy, doctors recommend a screening test for gestational diabetes to detect symptoms early. Dietary guidance can help control the progression of the condition.
Gestational diabetes is a common complication during pregnancy and can be categorized into three types:
1. Diabetes diagnosed before pregnancy.
2. Asymptomatic diabetes before pregnancy that develops into symptomatic diabetes during pregnancy.
3. Diabetes developing during pregnancy but resolving postpartum.
Most women with gestational diabetes return to normal glucose tolerance after delivery. However, some may experience persistent hyperglycemia, glycosuria, and impaired glucose tolerance, potentially developing into type 2 diabetes.
The most obvious symptoms of gestational diabetes are the "Three More, One Less" phenomenon: excessive eating, excessive drinking, excessive urination, and weight loss, often accompanied by vomiting. Note that this should not be confused with typical pregnancy symptoms. Gestational diabetes-related vomiting can be severe, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Another common symptom is fatigue, as glucose intake is not fully utilized, and metabolic breakdown accelerates, leaving the body without sufficient energy.
Even with a nutritious diet, glucose is not effectively absorbed due to insufficient insulin, leading to its excretion. The body relies on fat for energy, while protein is rapidly converted to glucose, causing excessive consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This results in poor physical condition and weight loss. The abnormal metabolism of glucose increases blood and urine glucose levels, making fungal infections more common in early pregnancy. Diabetes symptoms may improve in the second trimester.
If you suspect diabetes symptoms, seek medical attention promptly for early detection and treatment.
Beijing Guo Yintang Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Hengkang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, is a national medical insurance facility. The dermatology experts have successfully developed a new therapy called "Activating Pancreatic Regeneration" and a set of effective herbal formulas for treating various types of diabetes, achieving breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. This approach emphasizes specialized care, tailored treatments, and individualized care, reaching a new height in diabetes management.