Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

Updated on August 31, 2024

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Gestational diabetes refers to the abnormality of blood sugar levels that occurs during pregnancy, at which time it is called gestational diabetes. The reason for the occurrence of gestational diabetes is due to significant changes in the body's endocrine hormones after pregnancy. The body releases many hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can increase insulin resistance. Thus, a much greater amount of insulin is needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If the pancreatic beta cells are not sufficient to compensate for the increased insulin secretion needed to meet the normal metabolic requirements caused by these resistance factors, then elevated blood sugar and abnormal glucose metabolism occur, ultimately leading to gestational diabetes.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

1min 7sec

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How to test for diabetes?

The examination for diabetes primarily involves assessment based on symptoms and measuring blood glucose levels through a venous sample. Typical clinical symptoms of diabetes include "three more and one less"; where "three more" refers to dry mouth, increased thirst, and frequent urination, and "one less" refers to weight loss. Thus, generally, when these symptoms are observed, there is an awareness of the possibility of diabetes. Subsequently, one should consult a hospital for further tests, which usually include urine testing and venous blood extraction. For diabetic patients, the glucose level in routine urine tests will significantly increase. Another measure is the direct measurement of blood glucose through venous blood. A fasting blood glucose level of ≥7.0 mmol/L, or a two-hour glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L post-OGTT, or a random blood glucose level of ≥11.1 mmol/L, meeting any one of these conditions, combined with the symptoms of diabetes, can diagnose the disease.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

50sec

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Causes of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to the abnormality of blood sugar levels that occurs during pregnancy, at which time it is called gestational diabetes. The reason for the occurrence of gestational diabetes is due to significant changes in the body's endocrine hormones after pregnancy. The body releases many hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, which can increase insulin resistance. Thus, a much greater amount of insulin is needed to maintain normal blood sugar levels. If the pancreatic beta cells are not sufficient to compensate for the increased insulin secretion needed to meet the normal metabolic requirements caused by these resistance factors, then elevated blood sugar and abnormal glucose metabolism occur, ultimately leading to gestational diabetes.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

41sec

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Early symptoms of type 2 diabetes

The typical symptoms of type 2 diabetes are referred to as "three excesses and one deficiency." The three excesses include excessive thirst and dry mouth, increased appetite with frequent hunger, and increased urination. The one deficiency refers to weight loss; these are the more typical symptoms. Some patients might often find out about their elevated blood sugar during routine health checks at work. Others may seek medical advice due to issues like skin itchiness or wounds that heal poorly after injury. Some might mainly experience numbness in their hands and feet, or blurred vision among other symptoms.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

37sec

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Care of diabetic foot

The care of diabetic foot is very important. In our daily life, we need to do the following aspects. First, regularly wash and check both feet. During washing, the water temperature should not be too high. Also, keep the skin moist to prevent it from drying and cracking. Second, choose suitable shoes and socks, preferably loose-fitting to avoid tightness. Third, be careful when trimming toenails, making sure not to damage the skin of the feet. If there are any sores, go to the hospital immediately for treatment. Fourth, avoid using corrosive chemicals on the feet.

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Written by Zhao Dan

Orthopedics

2min 5sec

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Gestational diabetes standards

Before addressing this question, let's first clarify another concept: if diabetes is diagnosed before pregnancy, this is referred to as pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy, which is different from gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes refers to cases where there is no pre-existing diabetes diagnosis before pregnancy, but abnormal blood glucose levels are detected after becoming pregnant. Generally, a glucose screening test is conducted between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Currently in China, there are two approaches: the one-step and the two-step methods. The one-step method involves a direct 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. However, most of China uses the two-step method, which starts with a 50-gram glucose challenge test. If the blood glucose level one hour after eating is greater than or equal to 7.8 mmol/L, a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test is recommended. For the 75-gram glucose test, the fasting blood glucose level should generally be less than or equal to 5.6 mmol/L, one hour post-glucose intake should be 10.3 mmol/L, two hours post-glucose should be 8.6 mmol/L, and three hours post-glucose should be 6.7 mmol/L. If two or more of these values exceed the diagnostic criteria, gestational diabetes can be diagnosed. If only one value is abnormal, impaired glucose tolerance can be diagnosed. It is recommended that anyone who experiences abnormal blood glucose levels during pregnancy undergo another 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test six months post-pregnancy to determine if blood glucose levels are still abnormal and whether treatment should continue.