What is gestational diabetes caused by

There are no guarantees when it comes to preventing gestational diabetes — but the more healthy habits you can adopt before pregnancy, the better. If you've had gestational diabetes, these healthy choices may also reduce your risk of having it again in future pregnancies or developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

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Overview Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy gestation. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. Diabetes and pregnancy — Gestational diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Go to all your prenatal appointments and follow your treatment plan, including:.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Gestational Diabetes. Minus Related Pages. Follow a healthy eating plan to nourish you and your baby. The baby's blood sugar level is checked after birth, and if the level is too low, it may be necessary to give the baby glucose intravenously. Blood glucose is monitored very closely during labor. Insulin may be given to keep the mother's blood sugar in a normal range to prevent the baby's blood sugar from dropping excessively after delivery.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases Diabetes. What causes gestational diabetes mellitus? Although the cause of GDM is not known, there are some theories as to why the condition occurs.

What are the risks factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus? Although any woman can develop GDM during pregnancy, some of the factors that may increase the risk include the following: Overweight or obesity Family history of diabetes Having given birth previously to an infant weighing greater than 9 pounds Age women who are older than 25 are at a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes than younger women Race women who are African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander have a higher risk Prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance Although increased glucose in the urine is often included in the list of risk factors, it is not believed to be a reliable indicator for GDM.

How is gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed? What is the treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus? Specific treatment for gestational diabetes will be determined by your doctor based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on keeping blood glucose levels in the normal range.

Treatment may include: Special diet Exercise Daily blood glucose monitoring Insulin injections Possible complications for the baby Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes generally occurs too late to cause birth defects. The placenta also makes several hormones to keep the pregnancy healthy. These hormones include:. These hormones can affect how your body uses insulin contra-insulin effect. This often begins about 20 to 24 weeks into your pregnancy and could lead to gestational diabetes.

During pregnancy, more fat is stored in your body, you take in more calories, and you may get less exercise. All of these things can make your blood sugar glucose levels higher than normal and possibly lead to gestational diabetes.

As the placenta grows, it makes more of the hormones. The risk for insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally your pancreas is able to make more insulin to overcome insulin resistance. Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. But you may be more likely to get it if you:.

Gestational diabetes doesn't cause any symptoms. The American Diabetes Association also advises that you be tested for type 2 diabetes if you have risk factors for this condition. This testing should be done at your first prenatal visit. One-hour glucose tolerance test. You drink a special beverage high in sugar.

One hour later, the healthcare provider measures your blood sugar glucose levels.