What is Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy. It usually appears in the middle or later part of pregnancy when the body becomes less responsive to insulin. Unlike Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is temporary in many cases and disappears after delivery. However, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Causes & Risk Factors
Hormonal changes in pregnancy – Placental hormones make the mother’s body resistant to insulin.
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity before pregnancy
- Older maternal age (above 30 years)
- Previous history of GDM in earlier pregnancy
- History of large baby (macrosomia) or stillbirth
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Signs & Symptoms
Many women may not notice symptoms, which is why screening in pregnancy is important. Still, some signs may include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Excessive tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Repeated infections (urinary, skin)
- Nausea/vomiting (difficult to separate from normal pregnancy symptoms)
Complications
If uncontrolled, gestational diabetes can affect both mother and baby:
For Mother:
- High blood pressure or preeclampsia
- Increased risk of C-section delivery
- Greater chance of developing Type 2 diabetes later
For Baby:
- High birth weight (macrosomia) → risk of difficult delivery
- Low blood sugar after birth (neonatal hypoglycemia)
- Breathing difficulties
- Higher lifetime risk of obesity and diabetes
Homeopathic Approach
Homeopathy looks at gestational diabetes as a state of imbalance in mother’s constitution, aggravated by pregnancy-related hormonal changes. Treatment focuses on:
- Improving sugar metabolism naturally
- Preventing complications for both mother & child
- Supporting the mother’s overall health during and after pregnancy
- Important Remedies (selected after full case study):
- Syzygium jambolanum – classic remedy for high blood sugar
- Phosphoric acid – for extreme weakness, mental dullness, exhaustion
- Lycopodium – digestive issues, bloating, craving sweets, irritability
- Natrum muriaticum – for women with stress, emotional suppression, tendency to dryness and weakness
- Insulinum – sometimes used as an organ remedy to help regulate sugar
Note:
During pregnancy, self-medication should be strictly avoided. A qualified homeopathic doctor must select the right medicine after thorough case-taking.
