PriorityMOM | Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes: risks, testing and treatment

Gestational diabetes can pose a risk to your pregnancy. If left untreated, it can affect labor and delivery. It can also affect the health of you and your baby. Fortunately, it's treatable, controllable and, in most cases, it only lasts a short time—in fact, it usually goes away after baby is born. So let's discuss what you need to know about gestational diabetes, should you develop it during your pregnancy, (which typically happens between weeks 24 and 28, by the way).

What is gestational diabetes?

Diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes causes high blood sugar because your body may not respond as well to the insulin you produce (insulin resistance). A woman with gestational diabetes may need 3 times the amount of insulin during pregnancy due to this insulin resistance.

Am I at risk of developing gestational diabetes?

Unfortunately, some women are more at risk of developing the condition, simply due to other health factors, conditions, etc. You're more at risk if you:

Are over 25 years old
Are overweight
Are pregnant with twins or multiple babies
Have a family history of diabetes
Have a medical history of gestational diabetes
Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

What are the signs or symptoms?

The most common symptoms of gestational diabetes are like many other symptoms of pregnancy. They include:

Increased hunger
Increased thirst
Increased urination

The best way to pinpoint the condition is through testing and talking to your provider.

How do I get diagnosed?

Diagnosis occurs depending on your blood glucose level. Your provider will screen for gestational diabetes through a glucose tolerance test, also called your GTT or one-hour glucose test. This is typically done during your second trimester (between 24 and 28 weeks) or sooner, if recommended by your provider.

What can I expect during the GTT?

The glucose tolerance test can be stressful and may last a few hours, but the test itself is pretty routine, and fairly easy. You can expect to fast beforehand and drink a glucose solution at the time of your test. Many moms say the solution tastes like a sweet soda, but we'll let you be the judge of that. Once you drink it, you'll need to wait about an hour to have your blood drawn. Keep in mind that your test results may be ready during your appointment or could come as a follow up call from your provider.