Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose level is elevated and other diabetic symptoms appear during pregnancy in a woman who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by blocking effects of placental hormones on the insulin that is produced, a condition referred to as insulin resistance.

As the placenta grows, more of these hormones are produced, and insulin resistance becomes greater. Normally, the pancreas is able to make additional insulin to overcome insulin resistance, but when the production of insulin is not enough to overcome the effect of placental hormones, gestational diabetes results.

Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on keeping blood glucose levels in the normal range. Treatment may include a special diet, exercise, daily blood glucose monitoring, and insulin injections. In most cases, all diabetic symptoms disappear following delivery, although women who have had gestational diabetes may have an increased risk of developing adult-onset diabetes later in life.

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to have complications including macrosomia (very large baby), birth injury, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and respiratory distress. By carefully monitoring blood glucose levels and keeping gestational diabetes in control, you can help lower the risks for these complications.