what is gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes means that the body has a problem with insulin during pregnancy. When women are pregnant, the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar at the right level. Women’s bodies make more insulin during pregnancy. When the extra insulin is not enough to keep blood sugar normal, women get high blood sugar. This is called gestational diabetes. Blood sugar usually returns to normal after delivery.

Who gets gestational diabetes? 

About 7 out of 100 pregnant women get gestational diabetes.

•  Gestational diabetes is more likely for: 
• Women who are overweight. 
• Women with family members who have had gestational diabetes. 
•  Women with family members who have type 2 diabetes. 
• African American, American Indian, and Hispanic/Latina American women.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

 A pathology blood glucose test is performed at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. This test may be done earlier if the woman has an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.