Gestational Diabetes: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Nikheel Kolatkar, M.D.
- Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop in women during pregnancy.
- The condition is diagnosed when a pregnant woman with no history of diabetes develops a certain level of high blood sugar.
- Gestational diabetes affects about 5 percent of expecting mothers in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Gestational diabetes can occur in any pregnant woman, but certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition.
- Women who have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes include those who have prediabetes, previously had gestational diabetes, have had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, or are overweight, African American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander, Asian, physically inactive or older than 24.
- Risk factors such as race and age cannot be changed, but other factors such as obesity and physical inactivity can be addressed to lower the risk for gestational diabetes.
- The NIH reports that because of the large number of women affected, gestational diabetes is one of the top health concerns related to pregnancy.
- There is no single cause for gestational diabetes. Most scientists believe that the condition is related to the hormones produced during pregnancy and their effect on insulin.
- Some women with gestational diabetes experience no symptoms.
- If symptoms are present, they usually include excessive thirst and increased urination.
- Because these symptoms are often associated with pregnancy, it is not uncommon for symptoms of gestational diabetes to go undetected.
- To screen for the condition, doctors perform blood tests that measure glucose levels. Women with an average risk for gestational diabetes are generally screened between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Higher-risk women may be checked earlier.
- Once it is diagnosed, gestational diabetes should be treated immediately as it can harm both the expectant mother and fetus.
- Treatment for gestational diabetes may include diet changes, exercise and possibly medication such as insulin.
- A treatment plan is prescribed by a doctor based on the woman's condition. The primary goal of treatment is to keep glucose at the safest level possible.
- Gestational diabetes can cause difficulties for the expectant mother and fetus during pregnancy and delivery.
- Unlike most forms of diabetes, such as type 1 and type 2, gestational diabetes is a temporary condition. It typically ends when the pregnancy does. However, it places the mother and baby at risk for certain problems later in life, including type 2 diabetes.
- By taking steps to prevent gestational diabetes, the woman is lowering the risk for future health problems for herself and her baby.
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