Gestational Diabetes

Usually diagnosed around the 28th week of pregnancy, gestational diabetes is a condition which affects about 4% of pregnant women. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html This type of diabetes only occurs during pregnancy. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316

Similar to diabetes, gestational diabetes involves the problem of high blood sugar levels. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316 All pregnant women experience some insulin resistance when insulin made by the pancreas is blocked by normal pregnancy hormones. The pancreas makes up for this deficit by producing even more insulin. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html For most pregnant women, this counterbalance is enough to keep blood sugar in check. In a woman with gestational diabetes, however, the insulin is not enough and her blood sugar levels rise as a result. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/what-is-gestational-diabetes.html

In some cases, gestational diabetes can cause frequent urination and thirst, but these cases are rare. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=symptoms Most women with the disorder experience no outward symptoms. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=symptoms Because there are often no symptoms, most women are screened for gestational diabetes midway through pregnancy by having their blood glucose levels checked using a specific test. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/ Women over 25 who are overweight and have a family history of diabetes are at greater risk as are women who are African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=risk-factors

Complications can occur if gestational diabetes goes untreated or is not managed effectively.

Complications to mother:

1. Preeclampsia, a serious condition involving high blood pressure that can become life threatening.
2. Urinary tract infections due to the glucose in the urine.
3. Higher risk of type 2 diabetes later in life http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=complications

Complications to baby:

1. Large size due to the increased blood sugar baby gets from the mother
2. Hypoglycemia
3. Trouble breathing
4. Jaundice
5. Increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life
6. Delayed development http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316/DSECTION=complications

Treatment of gestational diabetes involves blood sugar management. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/ Mothers are taught how , when, and what to eat to keep their blood sugar within a normal range. In addition, exercise is encouraged for its positive effect on blood sugar. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/ For some women, insulin will be necessary to help manage blood sugar levels when diet and exercise prove not to be effective on their own. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/

For most women with gestational diabetes, the condition is temporary and resolves after birth. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/ While women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life, women can reduce this risk by eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining their weight. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.