Hello Sahabat PRAMITA! Did Sahabat PRAMITA know that there is a specific type of diabetes that occurs exclusively during pregnancy? This condition is known as gestational diabetes, characterized by increased blood sugar levels in pregnant women who previously did not have diabetes, typically resolving after childbirth.

Definition
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, gestational diabetes is defined as glucose intolerance that first arises during pregnancy, marked by elevated blood sugar levels. Simply put, it is diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who did not previously have the condition. Although it often disappears after delivery, gestational diabetes must still be carefully monitored, as it can affect the health of both mother and baby if not managed properly.

Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of gestational diabetes remains unclear, but it is believed to occur due to increased production of pregnancy hormones such as estrogen, human placental lactogen (HPL), growth hormone, and cortisol, which may interfere with insulin function, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar.

Consequently, the mother's blood sugar levels become difficult to control and tend to rise. Several additional factors can elevate the risk of developing gestational diabetes, including pregnancy over the age of 35, obesity, a family history of diabetes, previous gestational diabetes, or having previously given birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg. Even younger pregnant women can develop gestational diabetes if these risk factors are present.

Common Symptoms
Gestational diabetes often lacks specific symptoms, leading affected pregnant women to feel generally healthy. However, certain common symptoms to watch for include:

• Frequent thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

These symptoms are similar to typical pregnancy signs, often causing gestational diabetes to go unnoticed. Most cases are detected through routine glucose screenings during pregnancy rather than symptom observation. Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes To confirm the diagnosis, doctors typically inquire about symptoms and review personal and family medical histories. Diagnosis involves screening and follow-up tests, usually performed after 24 weeks of pregnancy—even in the absence of symptoms or prior diabetes history.

Initial Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
The patient consumes a glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are measured one hour later. If results exceed 130–140 mg/dL, further OGTT testing is recommended.

Follow-up OGTT
A higher-dose glucose solution is given, followed by blood sugar testing over three hours. Gestational diabetes is confirmed if two out of three measurements indicate elevated blood sugar levels.

Additional tests include:

1. HbA1c: Evaluates average blood sugar over the past three months.
2. Urinalysis: Checks for protein, ketones, and creatinine.
3. Ultrasound: Assesses fetal growth, measuring weight and length to monitor the impact of gestational diabetes.
4. CTG (Cardiotocography): Monitors fetal heart rate to detect stress due to elevated blood sugar.

Therefore, Sahabat PRAMITA, ensure regular blood sugar monitoring during pregnancy. Early detection and proper management of gestational diabetes help maintain the health of both mother and baby.