Gestational Diabetes

Many women ask me what is Gestational Diabetes? 

Briefly, when diabetes occurs during a woman’s pregnancy, it’s known as Gestational Diabetes. 

We think that it caused by the change in hormone levels, but also by the additional weight gain that occurs. This combination of factors affects the woman's blood sugar and her body's ability to use insulin. The blood glucose levels increase and the amount of insulin available is not sufficient.

Insulin Resistance

We think that for some pregnant women, insulin resistance occurs also plays a role. In that scenario, the food that a woman eats is metabolized into blood sugar. Insulin's job is to help transport blood sugar from the circulation into the cells. When there is an insulin resistance, it's much harder for the insulin to move the glucose into the cells. 

Higher levels of blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, can have harmful effects on both mom and baby. 

Symptoms

Unfortunately, there are no easily recognized symptoms of gestational diabetes, that’s why it’s recommended that all women be screened during their pregnancy with the 1 hour glucose test.

 Some women may be tested in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Women who:

• Have a previous history of a gestational diabetes
• Have delivered a baby who weighed more than 10 lbs might be tested early
• If she has a strong family history  
• Is 30 or more pounds overweight

Testing in the 2nd trimester

Most pregnant women will be tested in the 2nd trimester between 24 and 28 weeks. Here’s what happens in the 1 hour glucose test. You won’t need paper and pencil for this test, so you don’t have to study.

1. You’ll be asked to drink a small bottle of sweet liquid (glucola). This has 50 grams of glucose in it. 
2. You’ll wait 1 hour after and have a blood test to measure your blood sugar. 

This is a good indicator of and how well your body utilizes insulin to move glucose out of your blood and into your cells for energy. You don’t have to restrict your diet before the test, but you won’t be able to eat or drink anything until you have the blood test done. Any food that you eat before the blood test could interfere with the results. 

Results

If your blood sugar is less than 140 you will not need any further testing. If it’s over 140 then you’ll need more tests.  Good luck and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Watch for information on further testing later this week.