Who Has Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes refers to a usually temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The weight gain and changing hormones during pregnancy make it difficult for the body to keep up with its insulin needs.  It has generally been thought of as a minor inconvenience, but is now considered a warning sign for both mother and baby.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces a hormone that affects insulin’s impact on blood sugar.  Women who have a family history of diabetes are more sensitive to this hormone.  Mothers have experience the symptoms of gestational diabetes need to be aware of what symptoms may indicate type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Approximately 200,000 women in the United States develop gestational diabetes every year.  Statistics show that five to 10% of them will continue to deal with type 2 diabetes after delivery.  20 to 50% of them might develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is possible to reduce the risks of gestational diabetes by eating carefully and exercising regularly.  Studies show that women who control their weight, exercise, and watch their diet had a 58% decrease in their risk for developing diabetes after the birth of their baby.