Most women who have gestational diabetes return to normal blood sugar levels and insulin function after birth. Women who’ve had gestational diabetes are, however, at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, and they are more likely to have gestational diabetes in any subsequent pregnancies.
Modern science doesn’t yet understand why some women are prone to getting gestational diabetes, or what causes it. Doctors do, however, know that women who are over the age of 25 are more at risk of contracting gestational diabetes. Women who are insulin resistant, or who have family members with diabetes or type 2 diabetes also seem to be at greater risk. Women who are overweight, or those of Asian, Hispanic or American Indian descent are also more likely to get gestational diabetes than others.
Losing excess weight prior to pregnancy, exercise and a healthy diet are the best ways to prevent gestational diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, the best way to ensure the health of your baby is to have your doctor carefully monitor your condition and to follow all of their suggestions.
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Gestational diabetes. (2011, March ). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gestational-diabetes/DS00316
Gestational diabetes . (2008, October). Retrieved from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/gestationaldiabetes.html