By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Moms WombMoms WombMoms Womb
  • Pregnancy Health
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Pregnancy Tips
Search
© 2024 Moms Womb. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Gestational Diabetes – Causes & Risks
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Moms WombMoms Womb
Font ResizerAa
Search
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Moms Womb > Pregnancy Complications > Gestational Diabetes – Causes & Risks
Pregnancy Complications

Gestational Diabetes – Causes & Risks

KymberlyWilliams
KymberlyWilliams
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

When women develop diabetes during pregnancy, then it is called gestational diabetes. It is a condition in which your blood sugar levels get high during pregnancy.

Glucose is one of the significant sources of energy in the body. It comes from the digestion of carbohydrates and is carried by the bloodstream to the body cells.

But glucose can not enter the cells on its own. It requires assistance from a hormone produced by the pancreas called insulin.

Insulin induces the cells to take up glucose present in the blood. Diabetes is a condition in which insulin is either deficient or ineffective.

Without insulin, glucose can not enter the cells. Therefore it stays in the blood causing high blood sugar levels.

Causes of gestational diabetes

During the pregnancy, a temporary organ develops connecting to the mother and the fetus, called the placenta. The placenta supplies the fetus with all the nutrients and oxygen. It also produces many hormones that work to maintain pregnancy.

Some of these hormones impair the action, thereby making it less effective. This counteracting effect usually begins at about 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes Causes

This effect intensifies as the placenta grows and becomes most prominent in the last couple of months. Usually, the pancreas can adjust by producing more insulin.

But in some cases, the number of placental hormones may get too overwhelming for the pancreas to compensate. This results in gestational diabetes.

Who is at risk of developing gestational diabetes?

  • Anyone can develop gestational diabetes. But those who are overweight or have a family or personal history of diabetes are at higher risk.
  • Women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or insulin-related health conditions.
  • Women who have blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other complications.
  • Other risk factors include age (older than 25) or having previously given birth to larger babies.

Risk Factors

  • It might lead to complications if the condition is severe or poorly managed.
  • Due to the constant high glucose levels in the mother’s blood, the fetus may get too many nutrients and supply those to the baby. This results in the increased weight of the baby, complicating the birth process.
  • Shortly after birth, your baby may have sudden decreases in blood sugar as there is no more glucose from the mother. This condition is called hypoglycemia. Your baby should be fed immediately, and in some cases, IV glucose is given to stabilize the baby’s blood sugar level.
  • Mothers are most likely to have a surgical delivery (C-section) if they have gestational diabetes.
  • High blood sugar may also increase blood pressure, which may cause preterm birth.
  • Both mother and child are more likely to develop diabetes in the future.

Management of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be managed or successfully prevented by following the given steps.

  • Eating healthy balanced diets
  • Having a regular physical exercise
  • Managing a healthy weight during pregnancy
  • Taking the right medication
  • Some cases may also require insulin injection
Know the Information About Bladder Infection During Pregnancy
Miscarriage on Pregnancy, At 6 Weeks: Symptoms & Causes
What is Preeclampsia in Pregnancy?
What Causes Hypertension during Pregnancy?
Pulmonary Hypertension while Pregnant & its Risks
TAGGED:Causes of gestational diabetesdiabetes during pregnancygestational diabetesGestational Diabetes CausesGestational Diabetes Risks

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
[mc4wp_form]
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
Previous Article Effects of Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy
Next Article blood glucose level Blood Sugar Level of 168 mg/dL, High or Normal During Pregnancy?
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

18kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
11.6kFollowersPin
56.4kFollowersFollow
- Advertisement -

Latest News

Telehealth Medical services
How Telehealth Medical services can Improve Maternity and Prenatal Care
Pregnancy Months
Placental Insufficiency
All you need to know about Placental Insufficiency
Pregnancy Complications
Melasma During Pregnancy
Melasma During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Pregnancy Complications
Chorioamnionitis
What Is Chorioamnionitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
Pregnancy Complications
Moms WombMoms Womb
Follow US
© 2025 Moms Womb. All Rights Reserved.
momswomb-login-bg
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?