Bariatric Surgery and Gestational Diabetes
One study published in The New England Journal of Medicine[6] found that women who underwent bariatric surgery prior to pregnancy had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes compared to women who did not have surgery. The same study found that women who had bariatric surgery before pregnancy had a lower risk of certain pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes.
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It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor if you have gestational diabetes and are considering bariatric surgery after your delivery. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your individual health needs and the risks and benefits of different treatments. In most cases, managing gestational diabetes with a healthy diet, exercise, and medications as needed is the recommended approach during pregnancy. After pregnancy, bariatric surgery may be a viable option for weight loss and to reduce the risk of future health problems, including type 2 diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes Treatment
Although the treatment for this condition includes lifestyle changes (how you eat and move), blood sugar monitoring, and medication, once a woman has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and for any reason she can’t follow the treatment, there might appear several potential effects on a woman’s health[7]. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of certain complications during pregnancy, including:
- Preeclampsia: This is a potentially life-threatening complication characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Women with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.
- Cesarean delivery: Women with gestational diabetes may be more likely to require a cesarean delivery due to complications such as a large baby or difficulties during labor.
- Preterm birth: Gestational diabetes may increase the risk of preterm labor, leading to health problems for the baby.
- Future risk of type 2 diabetes: Women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
In conclusion, the treatment typically involves closely monitoring blood sugar levels, following a healthy diet and exercise plan, and, in some cases, taking insulin or other medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Psychology of Gestational Diabetes
The diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be emotionally challenging for many women. It can bring about feelings of guilt, anxiety[8], and stress, as well as concerns about the health of the baby and the potential for future health problems.
It is important to note that most women with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies with proper medical care. Although, women with this condition might need to seek psychological support.
Some common psychological effects of gestational diabetes include:
- Guilt and self-blame: Many women feel guilty and blame themselves for developing gestational diabetes, even though hormonal changes often cause it during pregnancy.
- Anxiety and stress: The diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be stressful and anxiety-provoking, as it requires significant lifestyle changes and may increase the risk of complications for the mother and baby.
- Fear for the baby’s health: Women with gestational diabetes may worry about the health and well-being of their baby, including the risk of preterm labor, macrosomia (a large baby), and stillbirth.
- Concerns about future health: Women with gestational diabetes may worry about the long-term health implications of the condition, including the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Women with gestational diabetes need to seek emotional support and guidance from their healthcare providers, family, and friends. This can include counseling or therapy to help manage anxiety and stress, as well as support groups for women with gestational diabetes.
It’s also important for women with gestational diabetes to focus on self-care, including healthy eating, exercise, and self-monitoring of blood sugar levels. By taking an active role in their healthcare and managing their condition, women can feel empowered and confident in their ability to have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
Suppose you have risk factors for gestational diabetes or have had the condition in a previous pregnancy. In that case, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. By taking steps to prevent gestational diabetes, women can improve their health and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery[9].
Contact Us to Learn More
If you want to learn more about gestational diabetes, its symptoms and how to prevent it, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.
References:
[1] “Diabetes Statistics”. https://diabetesresearch.org/diabetes-statistics/. (Accessed April 25, 2023).
[2, 3, 4, 7] “Gestational diabetes”. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339. (Accessed April 25, 2023).
[5] “Gestational Diabetes”. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html. (Accessed April 25, 2023).
[6] “Outcomes of Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery”. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1405789. (Accessed April 25, 2023).
[8, 9] OuYang H, Chen B, Abdulrahman AM, Li L, Wu N. Associations between Gestational Diabetes and Anxiety or Depression: A Systematic Review. J Diabetes Res. 2021 Jul 27;2021:9959779. doi: 10.1155/2021/9959779. PMID: 34368368; PMCID: PMC8337159.