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.
Recently Answered
- Q What are blood glucose goals in gestational diabetes?
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Pregnant women with gestational diabetes should be given individualized goals from their provider. General blood glucose goals for women with diabetes are those that are considered normal for a person without diabetes. Fasting blood glucose should be 95... Full Answer
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- Q Are gestational diabetes and fructose intolerance related?
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If you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend a glucose test. This procedure can determine if you are at risk for gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that poses no risk for you but can be dangerous for your baby. When you have gestational... Full Answer
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- Q Why do some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
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During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones that work against the action of insulin so the pancreas has to make more insulin. As the fetus grows, the placenta makes more pregnancy hormones that work against insulin. For most women, the pancreas... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my gestational diabetes on a daily basis?
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You'll need to monitor your blood glucose levels several times a day as part of your daily treatment of gestational diabetes. You'll also need to follow a prescribed diet, as food and alcohol affect blood sugar levels. It's important to incorporate some... Full Answer
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- Q Can gestational diabetes occur more than once?
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If you have a history of gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that only occurs during pregnancy, you are at a higher risk of developing it again in a future pregnancy. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and you have a history of... Full Answer
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- Q Will gestational diabetes prevent me from breastfeeding?
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If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you may question whether you will be able to safely breastfeed after your baby is born. Breastfeeding is perfectly fine after you've had gestational diabetes. In fact, it is recommended, as it may... Full Answer
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- Q How can I know if I am at risk for gestational diabetes?
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To learn about your risk for gestational diabetes, select the items that apply to you. At your first prenatal visit, talk with your doctor about your risk. I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes. I am an African American, American Indian,... Full Answer
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- Q How does high blood sugar relate to gestational diabetes?
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High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia or high blood glucose, is a symptom of all types of diabetes, including gestational diabetes, sometimes referred to as GDM. During pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta interfere with insulin, a hormone... Full Answer
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- Q What should I do after delivery if I have gestational diabetes?
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If you have gestational diabetes, it's important that you have another blood check 6 weeks after delivery. You have a high chance of having gestational diabetes in future pregnancies and getting type 2 diabetes later on. You should continue... Full Answer
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- Q If I tightly manage my gestational diabetes, how can I avoid hypoglycemia?
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Because you are aiming for a very tight range, your risk of hypoglycemia will increase. Make sure you can recognize early warning symptoms of low blood glucose. Check your blood glucose level often. When low, follow guidelines so that you can avoid... Full Answer
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