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What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second or third trimester and often goes away after birth. It happens when your body can’t make enough insulin to handle the changes brought on by pregnancy.
What causes gestational diabetes?
It’s not always clear what causes gestational diabetes, but pregnancy hormones can make your body resistant to insulin. When the pancreas can’t produce enough to keep blood sugar levels stable, gestational diabetes can occur. Risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or being over 25.
Gestational diabetes symptoms and signs
Many women don’t notice any signs of gestational diabetes. That’s why routine screening is so important. However, some may experience:
- Unusual thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
If you notice any of these gestational diabetes symptoms, talk to your doctor. Still, many only learn they have it after taking the gestational diabetes test during weeks 24 to 28.
The gestational diabetes test: what to expect
The gestational diabetes test usually involves drinking a glucose solution and having your blood sugar checked an hour later. If the levels are high, a longer test may follow. This test is the best way to catch gestational diabetes early and start treatment if needed.
Gestational diabetes treatments that work
Gestational diabetes treatments usually begin with healthy eating, staying active, and checking your blood sugar. If needed, your doctor may suggest gestational diabetes medication like insulin or oral drugs to help manage your levels. With the right approach, most women do very well.
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Quick Answers
Have Questions?
What happens if you have gestational diabetes?
If it’s not managed, gestational diabetes can lead to complications like high birth weight, early labour, or high blood pressure. But with proper care, you can reduce these risks and have a healthy pregnancy.
Does gestational diabetes go away?
In most cases, yes gestational diabetes goes away after delivery. Still, it’s important to get tested after birth, as it increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later on.
Did I cause my gestational diabetes?
No, it’s not caused by something you did or didn’t do—sometimes it just happens.
What is the gestational diabetes range?
The gestational diabetes test usually involves drinking a glucose solution and having your blood sugar checked an hour later. If the levels are high, a longer test may follow. This test is the best way to catch gestational diabetes early and start treatment if needed.
