GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy
(gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how your cells
use sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar that can affect your
pregnancy and your baby's health.

While any pregnancy complication is concerning, there's good news. Expectant

mothers can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and,
if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can keep you and your baby
healthy and prevent a difficult delivery.

In women with gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to normal soon after
delivery. But if you've had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of getting type
2 diabetes. You'll need to be tested for changes in blood sugar more often.

Risk factors

Some women have a greater risk of gestational diabetes. Risk factors for gestational
diabetes include the following:

 Overweight and obesity.

 A lack of physical activity.
 Previous gestational diabetes or prediabetes.
 Polycystic ovary syndrome.
 Diabetes in an immediate family member.
 Previously delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms).
 Race — Women who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian
American have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.