Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can interfere with the way insulin works in the mother’s body which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Women are typically screened for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, however, women who have risk factors may be screened earlier.
Risk factors for developing gestational diabetes include having a family history of diabetes, being overweight, or over 25 years old. Women who are black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian are more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
Blood sugar control during pregnancy is critical as elevated maternal sugar levels can lead to pregnancy complications and increase risks to the health of the baby. Gestational diabetes is likely to recur during subsequent pregnancies.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that up to 9.2% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes.
To learn more go to http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/gestational/
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