Gestational Diabetes: What Are the Risks?

By Amy Campbell People are often taught that there are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. In reality, there are actually many more types, but the simplified explanation is that if you have diabetes, you likely have one of these three. What is gestational diabetes? The American Diabetes Association defines gestational diabetes as "diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that is not clearly overt diabetes." Like pregnancy, gestational diabetes (GDM) is temporary. GDM will resolve in about 90% of women after they've given birth. It's important, though, to distinguish GDM from women with preexisting diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) who are pregnant. Who gets GDM and why? Obviously, only women can get GDM. It's estimated that up to 18% of pregnancies are affected by GDM. Of course, not all pregnant women get GDM, but there are certain factors that can put a woman at risk, including: • Being overweight prior to becoming pregnant • Being a member of certain ethnic groups: Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Native American • Having impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose • Having glucose in the urine • Having high blood pressure • Being older than 25 when pregnant • A family history of diabetes • Having had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds • Having had a stillborn baby • Having previously had GDM • Having too much amniotic fluid You might have noticed that many of the risk factors for G...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - Category: Diabetes Authors: Source Type: blogs