Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. Like type two diabetes, gestational diabetes tends to occur more often in African Americans, American Indians, Hispanic Americans, and women with a family history of the disease. Having gestational diabetes is not something to take lightly. Women with the disease may have a 20 to 50 percent chance of developing type two diabetes in five to 10 years. It is highly recommended that women with gestational diabetes remain closely monitored during and after pregnancy.

What Happens

About seven percent of women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The disease is often the result of hormonal changes due to pregnancy. These hormonal changes occur in order for the body to deliver nutrients from the mother to the fetus. They also help to prevent low blood sugar in the mother by stopping the actions of insulin. Yet, if the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin or if the body’s cells do not respond appropriately, gestational diabetes can develop.

Gestational diabetes can result in birth defects, over nutrition of the baby, and excess growth of the baby. This can, in turn, increase the risk of labor and delivery to both the mother and the baby. The baby may also experience low glucose. Women who are at risk for developing gestational diabetes include women who are overweight or part of an at-risk ethnic group, including Hispanics and African Americans. Women with a family history of the disease are also at greater risk, as are women with a history of giving birth to babies over nine pounds.

The key to helping women with gestational diabetes is to monitor their glucose levels closely. The doctor will also monitor the amount of glucose in the urine, as this can indicate vital nutrients are being passed through the body. A balanced diet and exercise (with your doctor’s permission) can help to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Controlling other factors like hypertension and even taking insulin may be necessary to control gestational diabetes. In order to avoid further complications, women with gestational diabetes should schedule regular appointments with their obstetrician.

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