What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity that starts or is first recognized during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. In many cases, the blood glucose level returns to normal after delivery. It is recommended that all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes during the 24th and 28th weeks of their pregnancy. The symptoms are usually mild and not life-threatening to the pregnant woman. However, the increased maternal glucose (blood sugar) levels are associated with an increased rate of complications in the baby, including large size at birth, birth trauma, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and jaundice. Maintaining control of blood sugar levels significantly reduces the risk to the baby. The risk factors for gestational diabetes are being older when pregnant, African or Hispanic ancestry, obesity, gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, having a previous baby weighing over 9 pounds, an unexplained death in a previous fetus or newborn, a congenital malformation (birth defect) in a previous child, and recurrent infections.

Symptoms: increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss in spite of increased appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, frequent infections, blurred vision; it i possible that there are no symptoms.

Diagnosis: An oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy is the main diagnostic test for gestational diabetes.

Treatment: The goals of treatment are to maintain blood glucose levels within normal limits during the duration of the pregnancy, and ensure the well-being of the fetus. Close monitoring of the mother and the fetus should continue throughout the pregnancy. Dietary management provides adequate calories and nutrients required for pregnancy and to control blood glucose levels. Patients should receive nutritional counseling by a registered dietician. If dietary management does not control blood glucose levels within the recommended range, insulin therapy should be initiated. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is required for effective treatment with insulin.

Expectations (prognosis): There is a slight increased risk of the fetus or newborn dying when the mother has gestational diabetes, but this risk is lowered with effective treatment and careful watching of the mother and fetus. High blood glucose levels often go back to normal after delivery. However, women with gestational diabetes should be watched closely after giving birth and at regular intervals to detect diabetes early. Up to 40% of women with gestational diabetes develop full-blown diabetes within 5-10 years after delivery. The risk may be increased in obese women.

Complications: newborn problems (hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, Large for Gestational Age, and others), increased incidence of newborn deaths, development of diabetes later in life

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Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes found in pregnant women. There is no known specific cause but it is believed the hormones of pregnancy reduce a woman's receptivity to insulin resulting in high blood sugar. Gestational diabetes affects an estimated two to three percent of pregnant women.but it resolves itself after pregnancy.there may be chances of getting type 2 diabetes in future

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes found in pregnant women. There is no known specific cause but it is believed the hormones of pregnancy reduce a woman's receptivity to insulin resulting in high blood sugar. Gestational diabetes affects an estimated two to three percent of pregnant women

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

a family history of type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes
maternal age - a woman's risk factor increases the older she is
ethnic background (those with higher risk factors include African-Americans, North American native peoples and Hispanics)
obesity
gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
a previous pregnancy that resulted in a child with a birth weight of 9 pounds or more
smoking doubles the risk of gestational diabetes