Gestational diabetes

Content provided by Healthwise

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes that can develop in some women late in pregnancy. Doctors usually check for the condition in pregnant women by doing a blood test, because women often are not aware that they have gestational diabetes.

With treatment, most women who have gestational diabetes will have healthy babies. Gestational diabetes is treated by making certain eating changes, exercising, checking blood sugar levels, and possibly taking insulin shots or taking oral medicines to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range.

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. However, women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes later in life.

If the woman's blood sugar level cannot be controlled, gestational diabetes can cause problems, such as a baby that grows too large or a baby who is born with low blood sugar.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.