What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Did-You-Know-Dans-Wellness-Newsletter-November-2015Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy.  Diabetes means your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.  Your body uses glucose for energy.  Too much glucose in your blood is not good for you or your baby.  Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed during late pregnancy.  Treating it can help both you and your baby stay healthy.  You can protect your baby and yourself by taking action right away to control your blood glucose levels.  If you have gestational diabetes, a diabetes healthcare team will likely be part of your prenatal care.  Your team might include a doctor who treats diabetes, a diabetes educator and a dietitian to help you plan meals.  Blood-sugar levels may return to normal after delivery, but you may be at increased risk of developing diabetes later if you had gestational diabetes.

–Source:  National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases