The Diabetes Series: What you should know about gestational diabetes?
What is gestational diabetes?
There is a third kind of diabetes, though it is much less common than types I and II. It is called gestational diabetes because it begins during pregnancy, which doctors call the gestational period.
What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes?
- If a woman has someone in her family who already has diabetes, she is more likely candidate for gestational diabetes.
- If a woman is over 30 years old and especially if she is overweight.
Why does it happen only during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of additional stresses to the human body. the body may fail to produce enough insulin to meet the need during this time. Approximately one percent of all women may develop symptoms of diabetes during the last half of pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes may not cause any symptoms, however, excessive weight gain maybe noticeable at some cases. Excessive hunger or thirst, excessive urination or recurrent vaginal infections can also be signs and symptoms.
What should I do to know if I have gestational diabetes?
It is advised that you always have prenatal tests to determine not only presence of gestational diabetes but also other obstetrics condition.
Your obstetrician can advice you some diet and lifestyle modifications and exercise recommendations. She can also determine if you need insulin or any medication for treatment.
What are the complications of gestational diabetes?
If untreated or poorly controlled, gestational diabetes can cause the baby to:
- have macrosomia (excessive weight at birth exceeding 9 pounds, 14 ounces)
- develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) at birth
- develop jaundice (yellow skin)
- develop respiratory distress syndrome (breathing difficulties)
- die after week 28 of pregnancy (called a stillbirth)
- die in infancy
