People often ask a number of questions about gestational diabetes. Below are some of the more commonly asked questions.
Gestational Diabetes Questions
Answers:
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Most women are diagnosed after special blood tests.
A Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a screening test where blood is taken for a glucose measurement one hour after a glucose drink. If this test is abnormal then an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is done. For an OGTT a blood sample is taken before and two hours after the drink.
Usually these tests are performed between 24 to 28 weeks pregnancy; however it may be done earlier for women with many risk factors for gestational diabetes for example of they have had gestational diabetes before.
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In pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow and develop. These hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Because of this insulin resistance, the need for insulin in pregnancy is 2 to 3 times higher than normal. If you already have insulin resistance, then your body may not be able to cope with the extra demand for insulin production. This results in gestational diabetes.
When the pregnancy is over and blood glucose levels return to normal the diabetes disappears, however this insulin resistance increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.
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3-8% of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes; however the incidence is higher in certain ethnic groups.
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The risk of getting gestational diabetes is lessened by maintaining a healthy lifestyle prior to pregnancy. This includes weight control, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
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No. In most cases gestational diabetes does not continue once the baby is born. However all women how have had gestational diabetes are at an increased level of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
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If diabetes is not well looked after (i.e. blood glucose levels remain high), it may cause problems such as a large baby, which in turn can create the risk of injury at delivery, caesarean delivery, forceps delivery and a need for the baby to be looked after in special care until the glucose level stabilises after delivery. Other complications may include pregnancy loss and premature delivery. If any problems occur, the hospital will know how to care for you and your baby.
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No. Your baby will not be born with diabetes. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may be at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
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After your baby is born, gestational diabetes usually disappears. A special blood glucose test (an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)) is performed six weeks after delivery to ensure that blood glucose levels are back to normal.
It is recommended that you check for diabetes:
- At least every 2 to 3 years
- Before planning a pregnancy
- If you’re feeling unwell
Q:
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Breastfeeding is recommended for all women, including women with gestational diabetes. Breastfeeding provides the best start for your baby and can help you to return to your pre-pregnancy weight.