Gestational Diabetes

What is gestational diabetes?

• Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after the pregnancy is over. This type of diabetes is diagnosed in two to fiver percent of all pregnancies.

When should a pregnant woman get checked for gestational diabetes?

• 24 weeks

How is gestational diabetes controlled?

• Through close monitoring of a nutritious meal plan and physical activity plan, and in some cases medication.

What's in store for a woman after she delivers her baby?

• Women who have had gestational diabetes will need to have a follow-up test for diabetes at least six weeks after delivery.
  • They also need to be aware that they are at risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
  • Women who have had gestational diabetes also need to work closely with their doctor to know the symptoms and risk factors for diabetes.

Should every pregnant woman get tested?

• Most women are tested for gestational diabetes when they are pregnant.
  • Risk factors that increase gestational diabetes are if a women is overweight or of an ethnic descent
  • There are usually very few women who should not be tested.

For more information on gestational diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association web site.