Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diabetes that develops during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can impair insulin use.
Reducing the risk
Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) can have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby but it is important that gestational diabetes is managed to reduce the risk of developing complications during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy. Most women with gestational diabetes will no longer have diabetes after the baby is born. However, some women will continue to have increased blood glucose levels after delivery.
Women who have had GDM are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so it is important to get checked regularly following pregnancy.
Who is at increased risk of gestational diabetes?
Women who have risk factors for gestational diabetes should be tested earlier in their pregnancy. Gestational diabetes may also occur in women with no known risk factors.
Women at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes include those who:
- Have had GDM in a previous pregnancy
- Aged 40 years or over
- Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes or a first-degree relative (mother or sister) who has had gestational diabetes
- Are above the healthy weight range
- Have previously had elevated blood glucose levels
- Are from an African, Melanesian, Polynesian, South Asian, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and South American backgrounds
- Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Have previously given birth to a large baby (weighing more than 4.5kg)
