Gestational Diabetes

A type of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and is characterized by high glucose (blood sugar) levels which, if not carefully managed, can create health problems for both the woman and the developing baby. Complications for the child may include excessive growth, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), respiratory distress syndrome (if the baby is delivered early), jaundice, and development of Type 2 diabetes later in life. Those for the mother may include preeclampsia, urinary tract infections and later diabetes. Treatment plans generally include glucose monitoring, dietary modifications, exercise and medication if diet and exercise are not effective. The condition usually develops in the second trimester (sometimes as early as the 20th week of pregnancy) and affects 1% to 3% of all pregnant women. Blood sugar levels typically return to normal soon after delivery.