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Health Tip: Understanding Gestational Diabetes

Posted on 10/08/2009, 09:00
By -- Diana Kohnle

What it means for you and baby

(HealthDay News) -- Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy, and affects about 4 percent of pregnant women, says the American Diabetes Association.

Though scientists aren't certain of its exact cause, it's thought that hormones from the placenta make it difficult for the mother's body to process insulin.

Left untreated, the baby can get too much blood sugar from the mother, possibly leading to a high birth weight, difficult delivery and an above-normal risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, the association says.

Women with gestational diabetes typically are put on a special diet and a regular exercise regimen to help keep blood glucose levels under control. The ADA says some women may also need to take insulin shots and test their blood glucose levels regularly during pregnancy.

More news in Diabetes...

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Bighealthtree.com Does Not Provide Medical Advice. This site, including the above information, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health or medical professional before starting any new treatment, changing existing treatment, or altering your current exercise and/or diet program. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 (or the emergency services in your area) or your doctor immediately.

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