What is Gestational Diabetes?

GDM is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy (usually in the 2nd or 3rd trimester). It happens because pregnancy hormones block insulin's action (Insulin Resistance).

Who is at risk?

• Overweight or obese.
• Family history of diabetes.
• Previous GDM.
• Certain ethnicities.

How is it diagnosed?

All pregnant women are screened between 24-28 weeks with a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT). You drink a sugary drink, and blood sugar is checked at intervals.

Why does it matter?

Uncontrolled GDM can lead to:

• For Baby: Too much growth (Macrosomia) leading to difficult delivery, low blood sugar after birth, and increased risk of obesity/diabetes later in life.
• For Mom: High blood pressure (Preeclampsia), need for C-section, and higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes later.

Treatment:

• Diet: Carbohydrate counting and portion control.
• Exercise: Walking after meals helps lower blood sugar.
• Monitoring: Checking blood sugar 4 times a day (fasting and after meals).
• Medication: If diet/exercise isn't enough, Insulin or Metformin is used.

After Delivery:

GDM usually resolves immediately after the placenta is delivered. However, 50% of women with GDM will develop Type 2 Diabetes within 10 years. You need lifelong monitoring with annual A1c checks.