What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational Diabetes also known as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or GDM is a form of diabetes that sometimes develops during pregnancy. GDM occurs when the expectant mother’s pancreas cannot make enough insulin causing the body not to able to regulate the glucose.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?
No one knows the exact cause of GDM. It is very possible that the hormones made by the placenta interfere with the regulation of insulin or block the effect of insulin. The placenta is a tissue that connects the baby to the mother while the baby is in the womb. GDM would be the result of the pancreas making insufficient amounts of insulin.

Some women are more likely to develop Gestational Diabetes than others.

Risk factors include the following

* Having a family member with Diabetes

* Having a history of high blood sugar

* Gaining too much weight during pregnancy

* Being overweight before getting pregnant

* Having given birth to large babies in the past (over 9lbs)

* Having glycosuria (sugar in the urine)

* Black

* Hispanic

* American Indian

Signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes;

o Frequent Urinationo Blurred Vision

o Tired feeling much of the time, more than is usual

o Frequent urinary or bladder infections
o Frequent skin rash or infectiono Gaining more weighto Nausea

o VomitingHow is GDM Diagnosed?

If there is any concern about the possibility of GDM they will likely order either a 50 Gram Glucose Challenge. Most labs will draw a sample and check the baseline blood glucose then give you a drink containing a specified amount of glucose. Women that are at high risk for gestational diabetes may have this test repeated several times throughout their pregnancy.

How is Gestational Diabetes Treated?

Insulin or other medications may be given if diet and exercise are not successful in the treatment of GDM.

Will having GDM affect the baby or the mother?
There is a chance that GDM will lead to the following in mother:

* Development of Type 2 Diabetes later in life

* GDM in future pregnancies

* Increases chances of need for caesarean delivery

* Possible premature labor

And the following in the baby:

* Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

* Macrosomia (large baby) any baby weighing over 8lbs 8 oz is considered to be large

* Long term jaundice.

See my other guide on Diet