Gestational Diabetes is a type of diabetes that arises during pregnancy, using during the second and third trimester, affecting 2-3 percent of pregnant women.

Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy because the mother's body is not able to produce enough insulin. High blood sugar levels in the mother's body are passed through the placenta to the developing baby. This can cause health problems.

This form of diabetes goes way after the baby is born, making it different to most forms of diabetes, which are permanent.

The cause of gestational diabetes is still not known. Possibly the hormones produced during pregnancy may block the action of insulin. Gestational diabetes can happen if the mother's body can't produce enough extra insulin to counteract this blocking effect.

Factors affecting risk

Not much is known, as to causes, but you may be prone to gestational diabetes if you;

• have a family history of type II (adult-onset) diabetes
• are over the age of 35
• are obese
• have previously given birth to a large baby
• have previously given birth to an abnormal baby
• have previously had a stillbirth late in pregnancy

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Usually gestational diabetes causes no symptoms. Occasionally there will be symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, increased need to urinate and increased hunger, although these are common later on in pregnancy anyway.

Prevention of Gestational Diabetes

To help reduce the risk of getting gestational diabetes, women should make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and maintaining the correct weight for their height.

You can find more information about Gestational Diabetes through the following Support Organisation.

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the leading charity working for people with diabetes. They fund research, campaign and help people to live with the condition.

Diabetes UK
10 Parkway
London
NW1 7AA

Tel: 020 7424 1000

Fax: 020 7424 1001

Careline: 0845 120 2960, Monday - Friday between 9am and 5pm

Email: info@diabetes.org.uk

www.diabetes.org.uk

Your Views and Comments

I am 33 weeks pregnant and I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a few weeks ago. I am so scared. I am trying very hard to stick to my diet. I check my blood surgarlevels 4 times a day. Most of the time they are okay once in or twice a week it may go up slightly. I have gained so much weight and am afraid that my baby will be too big. It is eating me up inside. I want a healthy baby. This is my third child. I never had so much trouble before. I always had natural births and am very afraid of a c-section delivery. I am scheduled for an ultrasound in two weeks for growth. I am counting the days it can't come soon enough. As I write you I am in emotional pain. My husband wants this baby so much and I want everything to go well. - Iris