Can Diabetes Affect Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be one of the most joyous experiences in a woman’s life, but unfortunately, there are some potentially serious health issues that can arise during pregnancy and childbirth. One of these is diabetes in pregnancy, which can affect up to 10% of pregnant women and result in both maternal and infant complications. For this reason, women should know what causes diabetes in pregnancy so they can take proper precautions to keep themselves and their babies safe and healthy.

1) Low Blood Sugar Levels

One possible cause of diabetes in pregnancy is low blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels drop, the body releases a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon signals the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream. This sugar then raises blood sugar levels back to normal. A lack of this hormone could be one reason for type 1 diabetes. If you are pregnant and have symptoms such as weakness, confusion, and vomiting, these could be signs that your blood sugar level is too low.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. PCOS can also lead to irregular or absent periods, excess hair growth, and acne. If you have PCOS and become pregnant, you're at a higher risk for gestational diabetes. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to an increased chance of developing gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is when a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can pose health risks for both mother and baby.

3) Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It’s caused by the hormones produced by the placenta, which can make the body less responsive to insulin. This can lead to high blood sugar levels. About 3% of pregnant women have gestational diabetes. The condition usually goes away after delivery but up to 40% of women with gestational diabetes are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes later on in life.

4) Viral Infections

One possible cause of diabetes in pregnancy is a viral infection. Viral infections can cause the pancreas to become inflamed, which can lead to diabetes. Additionally, viral infections can damage the beta cells that produce insulin, which can also lead to diabetes. While any type of viral infection could potentially cause diabetes, some common viruses that have been linked to the condition include Coxsackie virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Rubella. A 2014 study found that pregnant women who are infected with CMV had an increased risk for developing gestational diabetes.

Another study published in 2015 found that mothers infected with rubella during their first trimester were 2.5 times more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who weren't infected.

Coxsackie virus has also been connected with gestational diabetes - a 2017 study found it may be responsible for up to 12% of cases worldwide.

5) Autoimmune Conditions

One possible cause of diabetes in pregnancy is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions occur when your body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells by mistake. There are a variety of autoimmune conditions that can lead to diabetes, including Grave's disease, Hashimoto's disease, and type 1 diabetes. In most cases, the exact cause of an autoimmune condition is unknown. However, some research suggests that genetic factors may play a role. For example, if both parents have an autoimmune condition there is a 50% chance that their child will also have one. Certain infections (such as rubella) may also trigger an autoimmune response and subsequent diabetes diagnosis.

6) Genetic Factors

There are certain genetic factors that can make you more likely to develop diabetes during pregnancy. If your parents or grandparents had diabetes, you may be more likely to develop it as well. Additionally, if you are Native American, African American, Hispanic, or Asian American, you may also have a higher risk. You could also develop type 2 diabetes while pregnant due to an autoimmune condition. It is possible for women with gestational diabetes to go on and develop type 2 after the birth of their child, which would then require ongoing treatment. The symptoms of gestational diabetes and type 2 do not always differ, so it is important for doctors to take a thorough history and conduct tests for both types.

7) Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can occur suddenly (acute pancreatitis) or gradually over time (chronic pancreatitis). It can be caused by a variety of things, including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. During pregnancy, the hormones produced by the placenta can also lead to pancreatitis.

8) Obesity

One possible cause of diabetes in pregnancy is obesity. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. The ACOG recommends that pregnant women who are obese work with their health care provider to achieve weight loss before becoming pregnant. Women who are obese during pregnancy are at increased risk for complications, including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, cesarean delivery, postpartum depression, and death.

9) Alcohol Use

Heavy alcohol use can cause diabetes. When you drink heavily, your liver becomes damaged and can't process glucose properly. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can then lead to diabetes. If a woman drinks while pregnant, the baby will have low birth weight and is at risk for neurological problems. Smoking: Smoking increases insulin resistance, which can increase a woman's chances of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life. However, if a woman smokes while pregnant she also risks passing along smoking-related health conditions to her baby such as low birth weight or respiratory distress syndrome.