At North Pointe OB/GYN, Drs. Sean J. Lambert, Robert B. Barrett, and Nancy M. Walsh have treated many women who suffered from gestational diabetes during their pregnancies. Respected by many of their peers and patients, the doctors are honored to be highly recommended throughout the region.
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy (Gestation is another term for pregnancy). It is most common to develop in the third trimester.
Like all forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how a woman’s body processes glucose. The body becomes unable to process the simple sugar, which can cause high blood sugar. High blood sugar can pose health concerns for both a mother and baby during pregnancy.
In most cases, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms. Doctors often include a gestational diabetes test as a standard part of their prenatal care so they can find out if patients have the condition.
Women who have gestational diabetes usually are able to properly process glucose after their pregnancy is over, and their blood sugar levels typically return to normal levels. Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy, however, increases a woman’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Therefore, doctors sometimes recommend that women who suffered from gestational diabetes continue to work with a healthcare provider after their pregnancy. A provider can recommend strategies for reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes can often successfully be treated by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. In some cases, women need insulin injections to lower their blood sugar.
Regardless of how gestational diabetes is being treated, doctors usually ask a woman who has gestational diabetes to monitor their blood sugar for the remainder of the pregnancy. Doctors will also often monitor the woman’s baby more closely. Ultrasounds and other tests may be used to follow the baby’s growth and development.
Most obstetricians are able to provide supervision and basic treatment for gestational diabetes. If a woman has additional health issues or her blood sugar levels are difficult to manage, a doctor might recommend seeing a maternal-fetal specialist who specializes in high-risk pregnancies.
At North Pointe OB/GYN, we accept most major medical insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed here.