Can Gestational Diabetes Cause Thyroid Problems Later: Pregnancy brings many changes in a woman’s body which affect not only externally but also internally. Some changes go away after delivery, but some can leave an impact on the body for a long time. Gestational diabetes i.e. diabetes occurring during pregnancy is also one such condition, which people often consider as a temporary problem. But now doctors believe that it can also affect thyroid health in future.

Things you ignore can be dangerous for you

After delivery, most women’s entire attention goes to the child. Things like fatigue, hair fall, weight gain, mood swings or constant weakness are ignored as part of motherhood. Whereas sometimes these signs can point towards thyroid dysfunction.

What problems can happen if ignored?

Dr. (Colonel) Vijay Dutta, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Respiratory Services, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, says that during pregnancy, many changes occur in the body related to hormones, metabolism and blood sugar. Gestational diabetes is not limited to pregnancy only, but can also increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and thyroid problems in the future.

Its effects do not end quickly

According to America’s health organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gestational diabetes can occur even in women who have never had diabetes before. Blood sugar may return to normal after delivery, but metabolic changes in the body may persist for a long time.

Thyroid is a small but very important gland of the body, which controls metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and energy level. According to Dr. Vijay Dutta, insulin resistance and hormonal changes occurring in gestational diabetes can affect thyroid function. Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US National Library of Medicine has also suggested a link between insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction.

When do its symptoms appear?

The problem is that thyroid symptoms appear gradually. Women often ignore signs like constant fatigue, unexplained weight gain, hair fall, dry skin, anxiety, depression, excessive cold, irregular periods and difficulty in concentrating, considering them to be normal post-pregnancy changes.

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Why is it important for women to get regular checkups done?

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also recommends that women who have experienced gestational diabetes should continue to have regular health checkups afterward. Especially if there is a history of thyroid or diabetes in the family, the risk may increase further.

Doctors believe that a balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep and periodic blood sugar and thyroid testing can reduce future problems to a great extent. Because mother’s health is not limited to pregnancy only, rather it affects the entire body for a long time.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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