Overview
Diabetes refers to an increase in sugar levels. When the onset of diabetes happens during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have no previous medical history of diabetes.
Diabetes refers to an increase in sugar levels. When the onset of diabetes happens during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have no previous medical history of diabetes.
There are no obvious signs for gestational diabetes. It is usually discovered during the blood tests that happen during pregnancy. However, women can watch out for the following signs:
Normally, the pancreas produces insulin whose function is to move the glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells. In women with gestational diabetes, the hormones produced during pregnancy increase the glucose in the blood. Usually, the pancreas will produce more insulin to counter this. But, if it does not or if the insulin does not do its function effectively, it causes an increase in sugar leading to gestational diabetes.
Risk factors include:
Glucose tolerance test: During the test, the mother will have to consume a sweet drink with 50 gm of glucose in it. The sugar level will be tested in an hour. If the level is higher than normal, the doctor will provide guidance on treatment.