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.
