Stress and gestational diabetes: Is there a link?

Although many scientists recognize the link between stress and gestational diabetes, they cannot confirm whether stress causes gestational diabetes.

Researchers know that when people experience stress, their blood sugar levels rise. Looking back on 2022. High blood sugar levels for long periods of time can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

Although the 2022 study refers to diabetes in general, 2021 systematic review We found that anxiety and depression increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, but we don't know by how much.

She added that if your doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes, that diagnosis can increase your chances of experiencing anxiety and depression.

The researchers also added that people who have gestational diabetes and experience anxiety and depression are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy.

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Learn more about diabetes and stress.

Simple lifestyle changes, such as exercise, can help reduce stress in people with gestational diabetes. It may also help prevent gestational diabetes.

of CDC She explains that being physically active lowers blood sugar and stress levels, and lifts your mood.

We also recommend:

Other factors may also be involved.in 2018Turkish researchers investigated how gestational diabetes patients cope with stress.

They found that those who were confident and optimistic about their gestational diabetes diagnosis had better outcomes than those who felt overwhelmed and fearful about the diagnosis.

Learn more about the best diet for gestational diabetes.

How to receive treatment for gestational diabetes

by CDCDoctors usually recommend testing for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

If the test result is positive, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan, including regular blood sugar testing, a healthy eating plan, and possibly insulin injections to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

Learn about gestational diabetes testing.

according to March of DimesStress during pregnancy can have long-term effects on your health and that of your baby.

They add that stress can cause high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia and premature birth.

Talking to a medical professional can help people recognize the signs of stress and find ways to cope with stress.

Learn more about high blood pressure during pregnancy.

by CDC, Many people with gestational diabetes give birth to large babies weighing more than 9 pounds. Your doctor may recommend a Caesarean section.

They also add that having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing postpartum depression. type 2 diabetes.

They recommend getting your blood sugar tested 6 to 12 weeks after giving birth and again every 1 to 3 years.

Learn more about how diabetes affects women.

This section answers frequently asked questions about gestational diabetes and stress.

What triggers gestational diabetes?

according to March of Dimes, many factors can increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include:

of CDC She added that gestational diabetes differs by ethnicity and race. They say Asians and Hispanics have higher rates of gestational diabetes.

Learn more about the health of Black, Indigenous, and people of color mothers.

How does mental stress affect blood sugar levels during pregnancy?

Emotional stress increases blood sugar levels as part of the body's fight, flight, or freeze response. In most cases, blood sugar levels return to normal levels once the immediate stress is alleviated.

During pregnancy, you may experience additional emotional stress and your blood sugar levels may remain consistently high. Over time, your ability to use insulin properly decreases and you may develop gestational diabetes.

Learn about insulin resistance.

Stress can contribute to the development of gestational diabetes, but doctors cannot confirm that stress is the cause.

If you are overweight and eat foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar, salt, and processed carbohydrates and low in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, you may be at increased risk for gestational diabetes.

Being physically inactive may also contribute to this risk.

Learning how to manage stress may reduce your risk of pregnancy and postpartum complications related to gestational diabetes.