Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes (or gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) is a condition in which females who previously didn't have diabetes exhibit higher than normal levels of blood sugar while pregnant. The illness usually shows few signs/symptoms. It is usually found during pregnancy medical checks. Up to 16% of pregnant women are affected by GDM.  Pregnant women with family history of having diabetes and ethnic background have higher chances of getting the disease.  

Gestational diabetes is caused when a pregnant woman's body does not produce enough insulin, leading to higher than normal blood sugar levels. Some women with GDM are treated with drugs. However, healthy eating and regular exercise can help to lower the chances of getting GDM. 

It is still unclear what causes gestational diabetes. It may be due to the action of pregnancy hormones, blocking the action of insulin to its receptors. This prevents cells to take in glucose properly. This causes sugar to remain in blood, where it continues to rise.  

Babies born to mothers with  gestational diabetes can have many problems, such as, being larger than average (which may make childbirth difficult), lower than normal blood glucose, or being born too early.  More serious problems include brain problems or dead before birth. In addition, women with gestational diabetes have higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes (or, in fewer cases, Type 1 diabetes) after pregnancy.  

In most cases, children belonging to mothers having gestational diabetes are at higher risk of childhood obesity and Type 2 diabetes later in life. This can be stopped through healthy eating and regular  exercise.  

 Risk factors 
Common risk factors for developing gestational diabetes are: 
 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
 Having gestational diabetes previously 
 Family history with Type 2 Diabetes
 Mother's age-  risk increases with age (especially for women 35 years of age) 
 Ethicity: African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and people originating from South Asia
 Being overweight or obese
 First child being born large (high birth weight). 
 Previous poor pregnancy experience  
 Smoking during pregnancy  

 Standard Medical Test 
A basic test is carried out during the first visit to the doctor during pregnancy. The doctor or nurse will ask certain questions to check if the mother is at high risk of getting gestational diabetes.   

Woman found with higher chance of getting GDM will be offered a blood glucose test. This allows the doctor to check the correct sugar levels in the mother's blood.   

 Prevention 
Light exercise and stop smoking during pregnancy can greatly help pregnant women to avoid getting GDM. 

Category:Diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system
Category:Diabetes mellitus