Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes generally results in some symptoms however; it does increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, depression, and requiring a Caesarean section. Babies born to mothers with poorly treated gestational diabetes are at increased risk of being too large, having low blood glucose after birth, and jaundice. If untreated, it can also result in a stillbirth. Long term, children are at major risk of being overweight and developing type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is caused by not enough insulin. Diagnosis can be done by blood tests. Prevention is by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising before pregnancy.