Recently, in her blog, Bharti revealed that her sugar levels were very high on an empty stomach this morning, even though she doesn't eat sweets or neglect her diet. The doctor called her in for a checkup.
pregnancy health
Becoming a mother is a beautiful experience for every woman. However, it often comes with fears, worries, and complications. Such was the case with renowned comedian and host Bharti Singh. While preparing to become a mother for the second time, a health issue suddenly emerged.
Recently, in her blog, Bharti Singh revealed that her sugar levels were very high on an empty stomach in the morning, even though she doesn't eat sweets or neglect her diet. The doctor called her in for a checkup. Sudden sugar spikes are common in many women, especially during pregnancy. Pregnancy sugar can affect not only the mother's health but also the baby's. This raises the question: why does sugar suddenly spike, what causes it, what is the underlying disease, and what are its effects? So, let's explore why sugar levels suddenly spike during pregnancy.
Why does sugar suddenly increase during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, many hormones in the body change. These changes sometimes affect a hormone called insulin. Insulin's job is to control blood sugar, but when it doesn't work properly or the body produces less insulin than it needs, sugar levels begin to rise. This is why some women experience sudden increases in blood sugar during pregnancy, regardless of whether they avoid sweets or pay close attention to their diet. This condition is called gestational diabetes (GDM), meaning diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy.
What is GDM?
During pregnancy, the body requires more insulin than normal. However, if the body doesn't produce enough insulin, sugar begins to accumulate in the blood. This is called gestational diabetes. This condition often resolves on its own after pregnancy, but as long as it persists, it requires some extra attention.
Which women are at higher risk of GDM?
Certain women are more likely to develop this condition, such as those who are overweight or have a BMI above 30, those who have had diabetes in their first pregnancy, those with a family history of diabetes, those who have had a child before, or those who already have borderline diabetes. Bharti Singh, however, already had borderline diabetes, making her at higher risk for GDM. In such cases, sugar levels can become uncontrolled even after following a diet.
How is GDM diagnosed during pregnancy?
Doctors perform sugar tests at 12 to 16 weeks of pregnancy, then at 24 to 28 weeks, and 32 to 34 weeks. The most important test is the OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). In this test, you are given a sweet glucose solution to drink, and after a period of time, a blood sample is taken to see how quickly your body can handle the sugar. This test determines whether you have GDM.
