What causes gestational diabetes?
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Johns Hopkins Medicine answered: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 these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can have a blocking effect on insulin. This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of the placental hormones, gestational diabetes results.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulAlthough 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.... More -
American Diabetes Association answered:We don't know what causes gestational diabetes, but we have some clues. The placenta supports the baby as it grows. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. But these hormones also block the action of the mother's insulin in her body. This problem is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance makes it hard for the mother's body to use insulin. She may need up to three times as much insulin.
Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot leave the blood and be changed to energy. Glucose builds up in the blood to high levels. This is called hyperglycemia.We don't know what causes gestational diabetes, but we have some clues. The placenta supports the baby as it grows. Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. But these hormones also block the action of the mother's insulin in her... More -
Dr. Deborah Raines of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a state of carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. The exact cause is difficult to pinpoint but GDM may result from:
- Unidentified preexisting diabetes mellitus
- Unmasking a metabolic abnormality caused by the added stress of pregnancy
- Alteration of maternal metabolism cause by the fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy
- Development of insulin resistance in response to the presence of the anti-insulin action of placenta hormones
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a state of carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. The exact cause is difficult to pinpoint but GDM may result from: Unidentified preexisting diabetes mellitus Unmasking a metabolic abnormality caused by... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:There are several different types of diabetes. In all types, the body can't efficiently produce or use insulin, a hormone that allows cells to turn glucose (sugar) into usable fuel.
When you're pregnant, pregnancy hormones make it harder for insulin to move glucose from your blood into the cells. This is called insulin resistance. If your body can't produce enough insulin to overcome the effects of insulin resistance, you'll develop gestational diabetes.There are several different types of diabetes. In all types, the body can't efficiently produce or use insulin, a hormone that allows cells to turn glucose (sugar) into usable fuel. When you're pregnant, pregnancy hormones make it harder for... More
