maternity
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
What is gestational diabetes and how does it affect your pregnancy ?
Gestational diabetes mellitus
( GDM ) is a type of diabetes that develops because of the increased demands of pregnancy on the body . If not monitored closely , it can be dangerous for both mother and baby . These risks can be reduced if the condition is managed properly .
How does gestational diabetes occur ? Diabetes affects the way that body cells control glucose ( sugar levels ) and can cause levels to be both high ( hyperglycemia ) or low ( hypoglycemia ).
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to keep blood sugar levels under control by helping glucose to enter cells for energy use or storage .
During pregnancy , placental hormones ( estrogen , progesterone , cortisol and human placental lactogen ) increase and affect how insulin is used by the body – sometimes leading to insulin resistance . If the pancreas cannot respond to the increased demand for insulin then gestational diabetes develops .
As it is a progressive condition , it is usually screened for in the second trimester ( at around 24 – 28 weeks ). GDM usually dissipates following the birth of the baby and placenta , and as the body readjusts back to normal .
How does gestational diabetes affect mothers ? Although pregnancy complications only occur in about 7 per cent of cases , mothers may worry about gestational diabetes as it classes them as high risk , and the consequences of poorly controlled GDM can be serious .
Hyperglycemia from GDM can lead to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia ( a combination of blood pressure and
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