Understanding Gestational Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Gestational Diabetes

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy as Postpartum Condition - Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy as Antepartum Condition - Diabetes in pregnancy - Gestational diabetes mellitus

General

Gestational diabetes is a diabetes that started during pregnancy. Like regular diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high, and so is the blood that feeds your baby. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas, and it is the main controller of your blood sugar levels. During pregnancy your body demands more insulin, and if the pancreas cannot deliver enough of it, diabetes develops. The high blood sugar levels will make your baby grow bigger than usual, which will make delivery harder, and increase the risk for c-section (cesarean section). Gestational diabetes resolves after delivery, but it puts you in a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

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Signs & symptoms

Woman with gestational diabetes rarely experience any symptoms. In some cases, you might feel thirstier and hungrier than usual, and pee more often.

Diagnosis

Diabetes usually develops in the second half of the pregnancy. Blood sugar levels are measured routinely between 24 and 28 weeks (about 6 month). You will be asked to drink a sugar reach drink, and your blood sugar levels will be tested afterwards. If the sugar levels are too high, you will need to undergo further tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There are two types of diabetes: - *Class A1*- managed only through diet and exercise. This is the common type of gestational diabetes. - *Class A2*- managed with diabetes medications or insulin injection. In addition, as part of treatment, your doctor will ask you to measure your blood sugar level at home, and make sure it is balanced. It is important for you and for your baby’s safety.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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