Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetesis a type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy. Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects the way your body uses sugar (glucose) — your body's main source of fuel. Gestational diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels that are unlikely to cause problems for you, but can threaten the health of your unborn baby.
Any pregnancy complication is concerning, but there's good news. You can manage gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and, if necessary, taking medication. Taking good care of yourself can help ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and a healthy start for your baby.
Fortunately, gestational diabetes is usually short-lived. Blood sugar levels typically return to normal soon after delivery.
Causes
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
* African or Hispanic ancestry
* Being older than 25 when pregnant
* Family history of diabetes
* Giving birth to a previous baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
* ObesityObesity
* Recurrent infections
* Unexplained miscarriage or death of a newborn
Symptoms
Usually there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and not life threatening to the pregnant woman. Often, the blood sugarblood sugar (glucose) level returns to normal after delivery.
Symptoms may include:
* Blurred visionBlurred vision
* FatigueFatigue
* Frequent infections, including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin
* Increased thirstIncreased thirst
* Increased urination
* Nausea and vomiting
* Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
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