What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is unique in that it is diabetes that is first diagnosed when a woman is pregnant. Diabetes often results in a build–up of glucose or sugar, and too much sugar can be harmful to the baby. Doctors believe that as weight and hormones fluctuate during pregnancy, the body has difficulty maintaining a healthy level of insulin.

Three Levels of Risk

When you first become pregnant, your doctor will decide whether or not you need to be checked for gestational diabetes based on the following risk factors:

• High risk: You are at a high risk for developing diabetes during your pregnancy if you are very overweight, have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, have a strong family history of diabetes or have glucose in your urine. A doctor may order a diabetes test during your first prenatal visit if any of these factors pertain to you.
• Average risk: If you have had gestational diabetes before, are overweight, are 25 years old or over, are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, or Pacific Islander, have a family history or have been told you have pre–diabetes, you are at average risk for gestational diabetes. You will most likely be tested for diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of your pregnancy.
• Low risk: You are at low risk for gestational diabetes if you have none of the risk factors listed in the above two groups. Your doctor may decide that you do not need to be checked for diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes and Baby

If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause a number of problems for both you and your baby. Below are some of the risk factors associated with uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy:

• Low blood sugar for baby at birth;
• Breathing problems for baby;
• A very large baby with excess fat that may lead to other dangers during childbirth; or
• High blood pressure for you during pregnancy.

In addition to these possible concerns, both you and your baby are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes for the rest of your lives; however, gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. A glucose test six to 12 weeks after the baby’s birth can determine whether or not the condition remains.

Monitoring Gestational Diabetes

In order to monitor gestational diabetes and keep both yourself and your baby healthy, you may need to meet with a dietitian to devise a meal plan that keeps you eating healthy while maintaining target glucose levels. You may be cautioned to limit the amount of sweets you eat, eat fruits, vegetables, cereals, breads, and other fiber–rich foods, and limit the amount of carbohydrates you take in. Likewise, you may be encouraged to eat three small meals and one to three snacks each day.

In addition to diet, your doctor may encourage you to participate in some form of physical activity. Walking and swimming are low–impact aerobic activities that will help keep your glucose levels normal and overall are beneficial for you and your baby.

Finally, some moms–to–be with diabetes must take insulin to regulate their blood sugar. Because it cannot move from your bloodstream to the baby’s, insulin is not harmful during pregnancy. For more information, talk with your health care professional.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Later

It is important that once you have had gestational diabetes that you take preventative measures to decrease your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight, participating in physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day and establishing a healthy, balanced diet will help. However, it is important that you have your doctor check your glucose levels every one to two years.

You can also reduce your baby’s risk of developing diabetes by breastfeeding and ensuring that your child maintains a healthy weight as well.