Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy increases the body’s demand for insulin. If sufficient insulin cannot be produced, blood glucoses rises and diabetes develops. Usually occurring in the last half of pregnancy, gestational diabetes affects an estimated 18 percent of pregnancies. This type of diabetes is thought to be temporary, but as many as 10 percent of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes. Expectant mothers can help prevent gestational diabetes with healthy eating and regular exercise.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not fully understood, it is believed that hormones produced in the placenta are a cause insulin resistance. Some risk factors include:
- Pre-diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes
- Family history
- Being overweight
- Age (greater than 25)
- Race (non-Caucasian)
Symptoms
In most cases, there are no warning signs or symptoms associated with gestational diabetes making it important to have a screening test completed during the second trimester.
Effects of Gestational Diabetes
Women with gestational diabetes who control their blood sugar can avoid health complications for themselves and their babies. Left unchecked, gestational diabetes can cause.
- Need for delivery by C-section
- Baby may have jaundice
- Baby may develop Type 2 diabetes
- Baby may develop hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
- Baby may develop macrosomia or excessive birth weight
- Baby may develop respiratory distress syndrome
- Future risk of developing Type 2 diabetes for both mother and baby
Diagnostic Tests
Pregnant women over the age of 25 should be screened for gestational diabetes. The following screening may also be given to younger women, if they exhibit certain risk factors:
- Initial glucose test
- Follow up glucose test
- Fetal movement counting
- Nonstress test
- Biophysical profile
- Blood sugar testing
Treatment
Our highly trained staff uses state-of-the-art diabetes information and resources to develop an individualized treatment plan. With the following treatment and care women with gestational diabetes can deliver healthy babies and avoid future health risks.
- Weight loss
- Exercise
- Healthy eating
- Medication
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Regular prenatal monitoring
- Breast-feeding
