About 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Talk to your doctor about how to lower your risk and how often to have your blood sugar checked to make sure you're on track.

Does gestational diabetes cause diabetes later in life?

Gestational diabetes arises in certain women who cannot overcome the insulin resistance that develops during pregnancy. In most cases, the condition goes away after the baby is delivered. However, women who have gestational diabetes have increased risks of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

What are the chances of developing diabetes after having gestational diabetes?

If you've had gestational diabetes, you have up to a 1 in 2 chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 5-10 years. You are also at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes for the rest of your life.

Does having gestational diabetes mean you are high risk?

According to What to Expect: Having a High Risk Pregnancy, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes means that the patient has a high-risk pregnancy.

Is gestational diabetes my fault?

IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

This is due to the hormones released from the placenta. Those who are not diabetic are able to increase insulin production sufficiently enough. Those who cannot increase insulin production enough, or cannot use the insulin that is there effectively enough, are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes - Overview, signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment

45 related questions found

Is gestational diabetes bad for baby?

Babies of mothers who have gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Stillbirth. Untreated gestational diabetes can result in a baby's death either before or shortly after birth.

When will gestational diabetes go away?

Get tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after your baby is born, and then every 1 to 3 years. For most women with gestational diabetes, the diabetes goes away soon after delivery.

Is gestational diabetes permanent?

Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes usually goes away on its own and soon after delivery blood sugar levels return to normal, says Dr. Tania Esakoff, clinical director of the Prenatal Diagnosis Center. "There is no need for gestational diabetes to take away from the joys of pregnancy."

Is gestational diabetes caused by diet?

Just because you eat a certain type of food doesn't mean you'll automatically get gestational diabetes. In fact, there's no surefire way to prevent gestational diabetes. Even mothers who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy may not get it with a later pregnancy.

Who is at high risk for gestational diabetes?

You may be more likely than other women to develop gestational diabetes if: You're older than 25. You're overweight or obese and not physically active. You had gestational diabetes or a baby with macrosomia in a past pregnancy.

What is the main cause of gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy, your placenta makes hormones that cause glucose to build up in your blood. Usually, your pancreas can send out enough insulin to handle it. But if your body can't make enough insulin or stops using insulin as it should, your blood sugar levels rise, and you get gestational diabetes.

Will I get gestational diabetes if my mom had it?

Family medical history. If your mother, grandmothers and/or sisters had gestational diabetes, you're more likely to have it as well. Personal medical history. If you are pre-diabetic or have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels before pregnancy, you're more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Should I be worried about gestational diabetes?

If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it's only natural to be worried. But if you arm yourself with the right knowledge and mindset, you can maintain a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby.

Does drinking a lot of water help with gestational diabetes?

As water contains no carbohydrate or calories, it is the perfect drink for pregnant women. Studies have also shown that drinking water could help control glucose levels. Drink a large glass of water with every meal and another glass in between meals. "Water was key to keeping my glucose levels stable.

Can I avoid gestational diabetes?

It is not always possible to prevent gestational diabetes. Certain risk factors make it more likely that a woman will develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. However, maintaining a healthy weight before and after conception, eating well, and exercising regularly during pregnancy can all reduce the risk.

How can I control gestational diabetes in my third trimester?

Gestational diabetes can be treated with diet, lifestyle changes, and medicines, in some instances. Your doctor will recommend dietary changes, such as decreasing your carbohydrate intake and increasing fruits and veggies. Adding low-impact exercise can also help. In some instances, your doctor may prescribe insulin.

Can you have a normal size baby with gestational diabetes?

The research involved 202 women who were controlling their gestational diabetes with diet, and found their babies on average were slightly smaller compared to healthy pregnant women in the control group.

What happens if you test positive for gestational diabetes?

In fact, only about a third of women who test positive on the glucose screening test actually have the condition. If you test positive, you'll need to take the glucose tolerance test (GTT) – a longer, more definitive test that tells you for sure whether you have gestational diabetes.

How can I lower my gestational diabetes naturally?

Dietary Recommendations

1. Distribute your foods between three meals and two or three snacks each day. ...
2. Eat reasonable portions of starch. ...
3. Drink one cup of milk at a time. ...
4. Limit fruit portions. ...
5. Breakfast matters. ...
6. Avoid fruit juice. ...
7. Strictly limit sweets and desserts. ...
8. Stay away from added sugars.

Does gestational diabetes make baby more active?

Some mothers find a change in movements once they start the gestational diabetes diet and reduce their sugar and carb intake. Others mention reduced movements when having hypos (low blood sugar levels) and increased movements when they have hypers (high blood sugar levels).

What birth defects are caused by gestational diabetes?

Babies of diabetic mothers may have major birth defects in the heart and blood vessels, brain and spine, urinary system and kidneys, and digestive system. Macrosomia. This is the term for a baby that is much larger than normal. All of the nutrients the baby gets come directly from the mother's blood.

Do you get more ultrasounds with gestational diabetes?

In Canada, it's recommended that all women diagnosed with gestational diabetes be referred to a diabetes specialist or endocrinologist, in addition to their primary prenatal-care physician. You'll have to schedule extra appointments, including additional tests and ultrasounds, which can be more time-consuming.

At what week does gestational diabetes develop?

Gestational diabetes usually develops around the 24^th week of pregnancy, so you'll probably be tested between 24 and 28 weeks. If you're at higher risk for gestational diabetes, your doctor may test you earlier.

Is gestational diabetes more common in second pregnancy?

If a woman had gestational diabetes with her first child, is she more likely to get it in her second pregnancy? Field: There's about a 50 percent risk of gestational diabetes coming back for a second pregnancy.

How can I prevent gestational diabetes in my next pregnancy?

Walk, jog, dance, swim, or ride a bike — any activity that gets you moving for at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to reduce your risk. Your diet. Women who eat a diet high in fiber prior to becoming pregnant are less likely to get gestational diabetes.