Gestational Diabetes: The Lifelong Implications and Nutrients That Make A Difference

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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is more than just a temporary concern during pregnancy; it can have lasting effects on both the mother and the child. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial, and while diet and exercise are key components of care, the nutrients a woman consumes during this time also play an important role.

Nutrients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific vitamins and minerals can support healthy blood sugar levels and promote overall well-being during pregnancy. These nutrients influence both short and long-term risk for metabolic issues for both mother and baby. In this article, we will explore the essential nutrients that can benefit women with GDM, highlighting their role in fostering a healthier pregnancy and setting the foundation for lifelong health.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that appears during pregnancy, bringing potential health risks for both the mother and the baby if it’s not carefully managed. Unlike other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes usually shows up in the second or third trimester and often goes away after the baby is born.

Many moms-to-be might not notice any signs at all, but some might experience things like frequent urination, increased thirst, feeling more tired than usual, or even blurred vision. Because these symptoms can be easy to miss, regular prenatal screenings are crucial for catching gestational diabetes early.

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to be linked to the hormonal and metabolic changes that happen during pregnancy. As the placenta grows, it produces hormones that can make it harder for the body to use insulin properly, a condition known as insulin resistance. This means the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check.

What Food and Lifestyle Factors Are Important For Managing Gestational Diabetes?

• Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Be mindful of carbohydrate intake and opt for complex carbohydrates that are high in fiber and have a lower impact on blood sugar levels.
• Regular Meals and Snacks: Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Aim for three meals and two to three snacks spaced evenly throughout the day to prevent spikes and dips in blood sugar.
• Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overeating. Using smaller plates and measuring portions can help prevent excess calorie intake and regulate blood sugar levels.
• Limit Sugary and Processed Foods: Minimize consumption of sugary beverages, sweets, processed snacks, and refined carbohydrates, as these can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Opt for healthier alternatives such as fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grain options.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity to help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, with approval from your healthcare provider.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Monitor blood sugar levels regularly as advised by your healthcare provider to track how food choices and physical activity affect your blood sugar levels. This can help identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support overall health. Limit intake of sugary beverages and opt for water, herbal tea, or sparkling water instead.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night to support optimal blood sugar control and overall well-being.
• Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching to help manage stress levels, which can affect blood sugar regulation.
• Regular Prenatal Care: Attend regular prenatal check-ups and follow the guidance of your healthcare provider to ensure proper management of gestational diabetes and monitor the health and development of both you and your baby.

Gestational Diabetes Doesn’t Just Go Away

Although your blood glucose may return to non-diabetic levels after pregnancy, you still have an increased risk for metabolic issues. Having a history of gestational diabetes means that your lifetime risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is as high as 60%.  [PMC4360417]  You can reduce this risk dramatically through lifestyle efforts.  It is also important to have annual checkups with your physician to monitor your glucose as there are few symptoms that blood glucose is elevated.

Although often perceived as a medical complication of pregnancy, GDM is actually a chronic cardiometabolic disorder that identifies women who have an elevated lifetime risk of ultimately developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In identifying high-risk women early in the natural history of these conditions, the diagnosis of GDM raises the tantalizing possibility of early intervention and risk modification.

The life course perspective of gestational diabetes: An opportunity for the prevention of diabetes and heart disease in women [PMC8850315]

Long-Term Health Implications for Mom

• Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: After having gestational diabetes, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes remains higher for women, even after their blood sugar levels return to normal post-pregnancy. Yearly check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels are important for catching diabetes early.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Experiencing gestational diabetes also puts women at a greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, extra weight around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Each of these can increase the chances of more serious health issues, like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Cardiovascular Health: Gestational diabetes increases the chances of developing heart problems later on. The changes that occur during pregnancy can leave a lasting impact on the heart and blood vessels, leading to higher risks of conditions like high blood pressure.
• [PMC10244196]

Long-Term Health Implications for the Child

• Increased Risk of Obesity: Children born to mothers who had gestational diabetes face a higher risk of becoming overweight as they grow up. This risk is influenced by the environment in the womb, which can affect how their body handles fat. As these children grow, it becomes critically important to encourage healthy eating habits and regular physical activity to help reduce this risk of gaining excess weight.
• Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: These children may also be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes as they age. This risk is related to how their bodies manage insulin and blood sugar, which can be shaped by their mother’s experience with gestational diabetes.
• Cardiometabolic Disorders: In addition to the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, children of mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop conditions like high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels as they grow older. These issues can lead to further health problems, including heart disease.

Intergenerational Effects

During pregnancy, nutrition and blood sugar related to gestational diabetes place marks on the baby’s DNA that last a lifetime. These “epigenetic” changes turn some genes on and other genes off. Your baby’s brain is being built during this critical period and there is some evidence that these epigenetic influences drive risk for neurodevelopmental issues that won’t show up for years. This is the most compelling reason to eat well during pregnancy. Read our article: Methyl Donors and Epigenetics: The Story of the Famous Agouti Mice.

• Epigenetic Changes: Gestational diabetes can cause changes in the developing baby’s genes that affect how their body manages metabolism and health. These changes might increase the child’s risk of developing metabolic issues, like obesity or diabetes, later in life. Managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy can help reduce the chances of passing these risks on to the next generation.
• Cycle of GDM: Daughters of mothers who had gestational diabetes are more likely to experience it themselves when they become pregnant. This creates a cycle where the risk of gestational diabetes, along with its related health issues, can be passed from one generation to the next.
• Impact on Subsequent Generations: The effects of gestational diabetes can reach beyond the immediate child, potentially influencing the health of future generations. The increased risks for conditions like obesity and diabetes can be passed down, affecting grandchildren and beyond. By addressing and managing gestational diabetes effectively today, we can help protect the long-term health of multiple generations.

What Nutritional Supplements Are Recommended For Gestational Diabetes?

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are beneficial for both maternal and fetal health. They support brain development in the baby and may help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity in the mother. [PMID: 30231792]
• EGCg (Green Tea Extract): A study investigated the effects of daily dietary supplementation with EGCG, a compound found in green tea, on pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Results showed that EGCG supplementation improved maternal diabetic parameters and reduced neonatal complications compared to a placebo group. [PMID: 28266082]
• Probiotics: Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health, can be consumed through supplements or fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. A systematic review of 11 trials has shown that probiotics and synbiotics significantly improve blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). [PMC10056932]
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A study examined the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation on oxidative stress markers in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). After 8 weeks of ALA supplementation, significant improvements were observed in fasting blood sugar levels and various antioxidant markers, suggesting that ALA may help alleviate oxidative stress in women with GDM. [PMID: 34369837]
• Magnesium: Researchers have found that magnesium supplementation can reduce fasting glucose, serum insulin and insulin resistance in patients with gestational diabetes. [PMID: 34907820]
• Other Important Nutrients: These nutrients should be present in your prenatal multivitamin.
  • Vitamin D: Many persons, including pregnant women, may have insufficient levels of vitamin D. Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women with gestational diabetes improves blood lipid levels and reduces the risks of premature birth, jaundice, and neonatal hospitalization. Consult your physician about Vitamin D supplementation. [PMC9867594]
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with gestational diabetes complications. Studies found that low vitamin E levels in early pregnancy and a decrease in vitamin E during pregnancy were linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes. This suggests that eating foods rich in vitamin E and taking supplements may help prevent gestational diabetes in women with low initial vitamin E levels. [PMC10096721]
  • Vitamin B12: Low vitamin B12 levels were associated with a higher risk of gestational diabetes, while higher levels were linked to a lower risk, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between vitamin B12 and folic acid during pregnancy. [PMC9308279]

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Supplement Safety Information

Omega-3 fatty acids, Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate (EGCg), Vitamin D, probiotics, magnesium, Vitamin B12, alpha-lipoic acid, berberine, fenugreek, and Vitamin E are safe options for managing gestational diabetes. These supplements have been studied extensively and have shown promising results in improving various aspects of maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. From supporting insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, these supplements offer a range of benefits without significant adverse effects.

Medication Interactions:

• Blood Thinners (Warfarin, Clopidogrel): Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Epigallocatechin 3-Gallate (EGCG), Berberine, Fenugreek, and Vitamin E may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners.
• Antiplatelet Drugs (Aspirin): Omega-3 Fatty Acids may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with antiplatelet drugs.
• Thyroid Medications: Alpha-lipoic acid may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications, reducing their effectiveness.

Supplement Interactions:

• Fish Oil: Combining omega-3 fatty acids with fish oil may lead to an increased risk of bleeding due to their blood-thinning properties. Omega-3 fatty acids may interact with vitamin E, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Caffeine: EGCG may enhance the stimulant effects of caffeine when taken together, leading to increased alertness and jitteriness.
• Calcium: Magnesium may interfere with calcium absorption when taken together, so it’s recommended to space out the intake of these minerals.
• Folic Acid: Vitamin B12 may mask a deficiency in folic acid, so it’s important to ensure adequate intake of both nutrients to prevent possible health issues.

Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

What To Eat

To Sum It Up

Incorporating nutritional supplements into your gestational diabetes management plan can offer valuable support for both you and your baby. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, magnesium, and other supplements discussed in this article have been shown to improve maternal diabetic parameters, reduce neonatal complications, support glucose metabolism, and promote overall health during pregnancy. By including these supplements alongside a balanced diet and regular medical care, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier pregnancy journey.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.