Diabetes During Pregnancy: a guide for mothers-to-be diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes before but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown. Some scientists believe that it is caused by hormones released from the placenta, the structure that helps support the baby as it grows inside of its mother. These hormones are important for the baby’s development, but they can also lead to a phenomenon called insulin resistance, which makes it hard for the mother’s body to use insulin even though it is making enough of it. Since insulin is responsible for getting glucose into cells so that it can be used for energy, and since the mother’s body is resistant to it, the sugar builds up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia, and it can lead to devastating consequences for both the mom and baby.