Diabetes (gestational)
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that arises during pregnancy most often in the second or third
trimester. In some women, GDM occurs because the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs of pregnancy.
In other women, GDM may be found during the first trimester of pregnancy. In these women, the condition most likely existed
before the pregnancy.
Testing for GDM
All pregnant women are given urine and blood tests to check for the presence of glucose. If glucose is found in your urine,
you will be given a glucose tolerance test to determine whether or not you have blood glucose problems.
Risk Factors
There also are certain risk factors that can make you more likely to have gestational diabetes. These include:
- obesity
- are over 35
- a family history of Type 2 diabetes
- an unexplained stillbirth or neonatal death in a previous pregnancy, and/or
- a very large infant in a previous pregnancy
Effects on baby
In most cases, gestational diabetes comes to light during the second trimester of pregnancy. Since the baby’s major
organs are fairly well developed at this stage, the risk to the baby is lower than for women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
However, babies of women who had blood glucose problems that were undiagnosed before pregnancy, have a higher risk of
malformations. The degree of risk depends on how long blood glucose levels have been high and on how high the levels have
been. Your G.P. will be able to give you more help and advice if you are found to have GDM
Effect on Mother
Gestational diabetes is not an immediate threat to the mother, most women with gestational diabetes whose blood sugar levels
stay within the safe range deliver their babies without complications. However, in some women it can result in high blood
pressure, which can cause the baby to grow larger, which can make delivery difficult and may result in the need for a caesarean
section.
Treatment
The treatment given will depend on the diagnosis made by your GP. In many cases the blood glucose levels can be controlled
by diet, you will be given a diet to follow that is low in simple carbohydrates. If your blood glucose cannot be controlled
by diet, you may have to use medication or insulin injections. Your GP or diabetic nurse will decide what treatment is necessary
in your case.
After the Birth
The good news is that in most cases the glucose levels will return to a normal level after giving birth. Your GP will check
your levels in the weeks soon after giving birth to make sure your blood glucose levels have returned to normal, if not your
GP will give you advice about what the best way forward is for you. The bad news and there usually is some, is that if you
have had GDM in previous pregnancies you may get it in subsequent ones, however there are ways to improve your chances such
as losing weight if you are overweight, exercise, if you are considering getting pregnant again it is worth talking to your
GP about the issue before you actually get pregnant.
For more information on this topic try www.diabetes.org.uk
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