What causes gestational diabetes?

Before becoming pregnant, the  insulin you produced was just enough to satisfy your body's requirements. If you have gestational diabetes, it is because you cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra demands of your pregnancy. This lack of insulin can lead to a rise in your blood glucose level. High blood glucose during pregnancy can also be caused by hormonal changes that interfere with insulin function.

How is gestational diabetes treated?

Gestational diabetes can usually be managed through lifestyle changes. The first step is to change your diet by cutting down on sugary foods and drinks. Your healthcare team should be able to help you devise a healthy eating plan that will help bring down your blood glucose level. They may also suggest that you exercise more regularly. You should always seek guidance from a health professional before changing your diet or increasing your amount of physical activity, particularly when you are pregnant. They will monitor your progress closely and if they discover that your blood glucose level is not being controlled through changes to your lifestyle, you may be prescribed insulin therapy.

Will gestational diabetes affect my baby?

In the majority of cases, gestational diabetes will not affect the health of the baby. This is because most women develop it towards the end of their pregnancy, when their baby's major body organs have already been formed. There is a small risk of health problems if you had undetected diabetes before you were pregnant or your blood glucose levels have been very high for a long time.

Gestational diabetes can cause a high level of blood glucose to cross over to your unborn baby, who responds by producing extra insulin of its own. The combination of excess glucose and insulin can lead to a high birth weight. After the birth, the baby is cut off from the high glucose supply that it has become used to and can run the risk of a low blood glucose level (hypoglycaemia). This should only last for a day or so after delivery.

Will I still have gestational diabetes after my baby's born?

Most women who develop gestational diabetes find that it goes away after their baby's birth, but a small number will continue to have diabetes. If you have had gestational diabetes, it is more likely to reoccur in future pregnancies and you are also at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. You can reduce your long-term risk of diabetes by making changes to your lifestyle, particularly healthy weight control and regular exercise.