Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during the time of pregnancy. Changing hormones and weight gain make it difficult for the body to keep up with the need for insulin. While in the past, gestational diabetes was seen as a disease that was not damaging and usually disappeared after the birth of the baby, it is now considered a warning sign for both the mother and the baby of metabolic changes that may affect them for life.

Gestational diabetes occurs because hormones produced by the placenta to help the baby develop work against the insulin produced by the mother's body. Women who have a family history of diabetes are also more sensitive to this hormone.

Approximately four percent of pregnant women, about 135,000, are affected with gestational diabetes each year in the United States. Many of these women will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk for obesity and developing diabetes as teens or adults. 

Due to the increased awareness of the dangers of gestational diabetes, it has become routine for women to be checked for blood glucose levels between the 26th – 28th weeks of their pregnancy. Uncontrolled diabetes may cause babies to have a delayed maturity level, poor placenta function, and even stillbirth. Women who are carrying large babies, nine pounds or more, are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. 

Women at increased risk are those who are already overweight when becoming pregnant, had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, and those who have a damaged glucose tolerance.

Race, nationality and cultural differences can also increase risk. Some of these causes could be related to economic differences and the difference in diets. American Indians, Asian Americans, African-Americans, Pacific islanders, and Hispanics are all at higher risk. Age is also a factor, as women over the age of 35 are more at risk for gestational diabetes.

Knowing your risks and understanding how to avoid them can make a significant difference in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes after the baby is born.

Studies show that you can reduce the risks through diet and exercise. In fact, women who went on to exercise, and control their weight and diet had a 58 percent decrease in their risk for developing diabetes. Drinking plenty of water, and eating a diet high in fiber and low fats are necessary for a healthy diet. Removing refined sugar as much as possible is also important, and fat intake should be monitored.

While exercise is important, it is also important that you not over do it while pregnant—especially if you were not exercising before pregnancy. Low impact exercise, such as yoga or water aerobics, is a good choice for those women who are not on a regular exercise program.

If you have questions about, or have been diagnosed with, gestational diabetes, talk to your doctor and ask questions. There is a lot of information on the Internet about diabetes, prevention of diabetes, treating the disease, and learning how to control it, which you can use to open a dialog with your doctor.