Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the baby. It is present in less than 15% of all pregnancies and is usually detected at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes should be treated during the pregnancy to prevent problems for the mother and the baby.

Your chances of developing gestational diabetes increase if you:

• Have a family history of diabetes
• Had a previous birth of a very large baby or a stillbirth
• Are overweight
• Had an earlier pregnancy with gestational diabetes
• Have too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Are older than 25 years  
   

Gestational diabetes is often treatable with a meal plan and exercise.
 
If blood sugars can't be kept in their target range by diet and exercise, insulin therapy may be required.
 
Note: 40 to 60 percent of women with a history of gestational diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.