What is Gestational Diabetes?
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.
What Symptoms Does Gestational Diabetes Cause?
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.
Is Gestational Diabetes Reversible?
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.
How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?
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.
Who Treats Women Who Have Gestational Diabetes?
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.
