Gestational Diabetes:
While pregnant, women who have never had diabetes before but then develop high blood glucose levels may be diagnosed as having gestational diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. It’s when the blood glucose level (blood sugar) of the mother stays high (hyperglycemia) because she is unable to make and use all the insulin needed to support the demands of the pregnancy. About 18% of women may experience gestational diabetes while pregnant but only 7% of those pregnancies will face complications.
Gestational diabetes can increase your risk of high blood pressure while you’re pregnant. Also, you may have a larger baby, which can make delivery difficult or require a C-section. Gestational diabetes can also put you more at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Most likely, after you deliver your baby, gestational diabetes should go away. About six weeks after delivery, your doctor will check your blood glucose level to see if it’s in the normal range again.
However, because you had gestational diabetes, you’re at a higher risk (a 33-50% increased risk) for having it again in another pregnancy. You’re also at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Please see an Endocrinologist to manage your Gestational diabetes or if you have established diabetes and you wish to become pregnant.