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Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The
term 'gestational' refers to pregnancy. When a woman develops high blood sugar
during pregnancy but has never had elevated blood sugar in the past, she is
diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes, or GD for short, is a relatively common problem, affecting
more than 135,000 pregnant women each year. It is considered one of the top
health concerns among physicians caring for pregnant women.
Risks Associated with Gestational Diabetes
When not treated, gestational diabetes can lead to severe problems for both
mother and baby. Among the more common problems associated with gestational
diabetes include:
Mothers tend to deliver bigger babies.
Babies are at higher risk for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) which
may make it difficult for the baby to breathe after birth.
Babies are at increased risk for developing high blood sugar as they get
older.
Babies are more likely to be overweight or obese as children and even
adults.
Who Is At Risk
Certain women are more at risk for developing gestational diabetes than others.
These include women who have two or more of the following characteristics:
Are a member of certain ethnic groups including: Hispanic, African
American, Native American, South or East Asian, Pacific Islander or
Indigenous Australian.
Women who are overweight or obese at the start of pregnancy.
Women who have a relative who has diabetes or who had diabetes during
their lifetime.
Women older than age 25.
Women who have had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.
Women who had a very large baby or stillborn during a previous
pregnancy.
What Happens When You Have Gestational Diabetes
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When you have gestational diabetes, the glucose in your body isn't able to get
into your cells. Normally the body breaks down the food you eat into glucose, a
form of sugar.
Glucose usually moves from your stomach into the blood. Typically your body
produces a hormone called insulin that is then responsible for moving glucose
out of the blood and into your cells.
However the insulin regulating hormone doesn't work properly in pregnant women,
so the amount of concentrated glucose in the blood gets higher and higher.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Every pregnant woman will be tested for gestational diabetes during their
pregnancy.
Typically you will be required to fast for six to eight hours prior to your
test. You will then have a fasting blood sugar drawn and be asked to drink a
sugary drink (Trutol-50gm). One hour later, you will have your blood tested
again. The blood test will measure how much sugar is present in your
bloodstream. If your blood test results come back normal, no further tests will
be necessary.
If however, your blood sugar level is high you will have to take another blood
test, called a three hour glucose tolerance test. This test takes about three
hours to complete. At this point your physician will be able to determine
whether or not you have gestational diabetes.
The good news is gestational diabetes can often be treated during pregnancy.
Most women will only be required to follow a special diet.
Your treatment plan will also include close monitoring of your condition
including frequent blood sugar tests. Some women with severe gestational
diabetes may be required to take insulin during their pregnancies.
With sound prenatal care, most women who develop gestational diabetes are able
to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies when they follow a proper
treatment plan and work to control their blood sugar.
Be sure you work directly with your physician if you are at risk or diagnosed
with gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, to ensure the health and well
being of your body and your baby!
