Gestational Diabetes
When you develop diabetes, or high blood sugar, during pregnancy, it is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Some of the risk factors for developing GDM include being older than 25, a family history of diabetes, having already had a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds and being Hispanic or African-American.
You may not have any symptoms, but if you do they might be blurred vision, fatigue, have frequent infections or increased thirst and urination. You may also have nausea and vomiting or unexplained weight loss.
The goal of treatment is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level and to make sure your fetus is healthy. See you doctor for regular prenatal visits during your pregnancy.
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- Q What is gestational diabetes?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyMany of us assume that the only way to get diabetes is by pummeling your insides with a four-a-day cheesecake habit, but gestational diabetes in pregnant women works a bit differently.To see exactly how it works, we need to look at glucose metabolism. A... Full Answer
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- Q How is gestational diabetes treated?
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Unfortunately, there is no known cure for gestational diabetes. However, if you manage your condition effectively, you can expect a healthy, normal pregnancy. Your doctor will determine a target blood glucose range. Sticking to this range, following a... Full Answer
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- Q How does gestational diabetes affect my baby?
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Untreated or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can mean problems for your baby, such as: Being born very large and with extra fat; this can make delivery difficult and more dangerous for your baby. Low blood glucose right after birth. Breathing problems.... Full Answer
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- Q If I’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, what do I need to know?
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Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes increases your lifelong risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In this video, Ronald Tamler, MD, clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, discusses gestational diabetes. Full Answer
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- Q What causes gestational diabetes?
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Although the cause of gestational diabetes is not known, there are some theories as to why the condition occurs. The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, as well as produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. Some of... Full Answer
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- Q How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
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During your first trimester, your doctor will determine your risk factors for gestational diabetes. If you are at risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy, your doctor will monitor your blood sugar at a later stage of your pregnancy, depending on how... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
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Unlike other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes does not usually produce any signs or symptoms. Symptoms typically found in other types of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination, are rare in gestational diabetes. The best way to... Full Answer
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- Q Who is at risk for developing gestational diabetes?
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The following contribute to risk for gestational diabetes: Genes and Family History Family history plays a role in gestational diabetes: women with a parent or sibling with diabetes are more likely to have gestational diabetes. Scientists... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for gestational diabetes?
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Any woman is vulnerable to developing gestational diabetes, but certain factors will place you at a higher risk. If someone in your immediate family has Type 2 diabetes, you are over the age of 25, you are significantly overweight, or you've previously... Full Answer
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- Q How is my baby's health monitored if I have gestational diabetes?
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If you have gestational diabetes, your doctor or midwife may suggest tests to evaluate your baby's health during the pregnancy. Examples include: Baby kick count: keeping track of the baby's movements Nonstress test: monitoring fetal heart rate... Full Answer
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