Gestational Diabetes Who Is At Risk?

By Peggy Yanger, RNC, CCBE

Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes in which the expectant mom does not produce adequate amounts of insulin to regulate her blood sugar during her pregnancy.Approximately 10% of expectant moms get gestational diabetes.However, moms that are 25 or older, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes have a higher risk, and need to be monitored more closely during their pregnancy.

Symptoms include, unusual thirst, frequent urination and spilling sugar in your urine.Most moms don’t have a clue that they have gestational diabetes until it is discovered at their doctor’s office when they have a 1-hour glucose tolerance test around 24-28 weeks gestation.

Why does it matter?

Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to

Large birth weight babies

Premature deliveries

Increased chance of cesarean section delivery

Slight increase risk of harm to fetus

How to manage your
gestational diabetes?

Balance in your diet

Limit concentrated carbohydrates

Self-monitor of your blood sugar

Regular exercise

Additional visits with your OB-GYN, diabetes or high risk doctors