Gestational Diabetes (GD)
Gestational Diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in patients who do not already have diabetes. Annually, 2–3% of pregnancies in the U.S. are affected by GD. The condition occurs during pregnancy (typically during the second half) when an individual cannot produce adequate insulin to keep blood glucose levels within normal. During pregnancy, the body makes more hormones, including insulin, that result in body changes such as weight gain. Changes during pregnancy cause the body’s cells to use insulin less effectively, resulting in insulin resistance and increasing the body’s need for more insulin.
In most cases, GD goes away after the individual gives birth. However, GD can affect the baby’s health, and it also can raise the odds of the pregnant patient getting type 2 diabetes later in life. During pregnancy, GD often does not produce definitive symptoms other than increased thirst and hunger, as well as increased urination.
Since GD usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy, the condition is diagnosed by performing blood glucose levels (often via a glucose tolerance test) between weeks 24 and 28 or sooner if the pregnant patient is at a high risk.
GD treatment is performed as soon as possible to keep the pregnant patient and baby as healthy as possible. Treatment may include the following:
- Checking blood glucose levels four or more times a day
- Checking for ketones (to determine if diabetes is not under control)
- Eating healthy foods
- Making exercise a habit
- Keeping track of pregnant patient's weight and baby’s development
- Using insulin or other medicines if needed to keep blood glucose under control
Some of the risk factors for GD may include one or more of the following:
- Overweight before pregnancy
- Family member with diabetes and/or having GD during past pregnancy
- Having higher blood sugar levels than expected
- Age is older than 25
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical conditions
