Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs when you have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can be harmful for you and your baby. Some women develop gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy.
If you develop GDM, our team is committed to helping you get back to healthy. With you, we’ll queue up next steps to help you manage this condition. This may include simple changes to your lifestyle and a referral to our registered dietitians to develop a balanced approach to eating and living well before, during and after the birth of your child.
About Gestational Diabetes
Your body needs glucose (sugar) for energy, but too much glucose may be harmful for your or your baby. Left untreated, diabetes puts new mothers at risk for serious health concerns. Moms-to-be with gestational diabetes typically don’t notice any sings of this condition.
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Similar to other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes means that your blood sugar is too high. Why? When we eat, our bodies break down food into glucose (or sugar). To use the sugar for fuel, our bodies release insulin. Insulin acts like a key opening our cell doors so that the sugar can move from our bloodstream into our cells to be used for energy.
During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones that cause your cells to resist the insulin. In essence, the “keys” aren’t opening the cell “doors” as easily. You need two to three times more insulin during the final months of your pregnancy. Your body will try to make more insulin, however if it isn’t able to make enough, then your blood sugar starts to rise.
Glucose Tolerance Test
A Glucose Tolerance Test is a blood test that helps to identify gestational diabetes. It is performed between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. our team completes a blood draw and the results can indicate high amounts of sugar in your blood, suggesting that your body isn’t able to handle sugar normally.
Understanding Risks
Risks for Moms
Moms with GDM have a 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. You will need to be screened for diabetes every year.
Risks for Babies
When your blood sugar is high, your body passes extra sugar to your baby. This may cause your baby to grow too large, making your delivery more difficult for both you and your baby. A large baby may raise your risk for a cesarean section. if you baby is exposed to high blood sugar throughout your pregnancy, he/she will start to make extra insulin. After delivery, your baby will continue to make extra insulin and may experience low blood sugar.
What to Expect
Your OB prenatal screening includes a glucose Intolerance Test, which is a simple blood test that identifies high blood sugar levels. If results show you have gestational diabetes, our team will work with you to manage GDM throughout your pregnancy.