Gestational Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors

Among the risk factors that increase the risk of gestational diabetes are

• Being overweight
• Absence of physical activity
• Possessing prediabetes
• Having had gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy
• Having the syndrome of polycystic ovary
• Having a diabetic in one's immediate family
• Having previously given birth to a child that weighed more than nine pounds (4.1 kg)

Gestational Diabetes Complications 

Pregnancy-related diabetes may put your unborn child at risk for:

• Excessive weight at birth. An excessively big infant might result from blood sugar levels that are greater than normal. Babies that weigh nine pounds or more are considered very large and are more likely to require a C-section delivery, become stuck in the birth canal, or suffer birth complications.
• Premature (early) birth. Early labour and delivery before the due date may be more likely in those with high blood sugar. Or, given the size of the baby, an early birth may be advised.
• Severe respiratory problems. Breathing difficulties are associated with respiratory distress syndrome in babies delivered prematurely.
• Low glucose levels, or hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, can occasionally strike new-borns soon after delivery. Seizures may result in severe hypoglycaemia episodes in the infant. An intravenous glucose solution and prompt feedings can help bring the baby's blood sugar back to normal.
• Type 2 diabetes and obesity in later life. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are conditions that babies are more likely to have later in life.
• Stillbirth. Premature or soon after birth, a baby may die from untreated gestational diabetes.

Moreover, gestational diabetes may make you more susceptible to preeclampsia and high blood pressure as well as undergoing a C-section and developing diabetes in the future.  

Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis

Diagnosis for gestational diabetes usually occurs between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor screens for diabetes using one of the tests below: 

Screening tests may vary slightly depending on your health care provider but generally include:

• Initial glucose challenge test. For this test, you are required to come to the medical lab without having had anything to eat or drink. You will have your blood sugar level measured and then be asked to drink a syrupy glucose solution. After an hour, your blood sugar level will be tested again.
• Follow-up glucose tolerance testing. This test is similar to the one before it. However, the solution has more sugar in it, and your blood sugar levels will be tested every hour for three hours.