Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops exclusively in pregnancy when blood sugar levels are too high.
Gestational diabetes develops when hormones from the placenta interfere with your bodyâs ability to make or use insulin. Insulin breaks down the glucose from food and delivers it to your cells. It keeps the glucose levels in your blood at a healthy level. If insulin doesnât work right or you donât have enough of it, sugar builds up in your blood and leads to diabetes.
Anyone can get gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Being obese or overweight before pregnancy
- Personal history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes
- Having prediabetes
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome
- Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than nine pounds
- Being of a certain race or ethnicity, such as Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian American
- Being of an advanced maternal age
There are usually no obvious warning signs of gestational diabetes. Symptoms are too mild and often go unnoticed until your pregnancy care provider tests you for the disease. If you do have symptoms, they can include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Tiredness
- Nausea
Gestational diabetes that isnât carefully managed can lead to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby, including an increased likelihood of needing a C-section to deliver the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at an increased risk of:
- Excessive birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Serious breathing difficulties at birth
- Low blood sugar
- Obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life
- Stillbirth
To diagnose gestational diabetes, your healthcare provider will test your blood sugar during pregnancy with a blood test. Often the first test is a screening. If you donât pass the screening, a provider will order a second blood test which is more comprehensive and includes:
- Glucose challenge test
- Glucose tolerance test
If you have gestational diabetes, you will need more frequent checkups during your pregnancy. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes:
- Lifestyle changes
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Medication, if necessary
Managing your blood sugar levels helps keep you and your baby healthy. Close management can also help you avoid complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Gestational diabetes isnât entirely preventable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Eating balanced and nutritious meals and getting regular exercise before and after your pregnancy are the best ways to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
To learn more about the OB/GYN services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Centerâs Department of Womenâs Health Services or to make an appointment, call 718-291-3276.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.