Learn more. Read More. Practice Bulletin No. Complications regulatiob may affect you Gestational diabetes may also increase your risk of: High blood pressure and preeclampsia.

Blood sugar regulation in pregnancy -

The purpose of these visits is to monitor your and your baby's health, discuss your diet, review your blood sugars, and adjust your dose of insulin if you are taking it to keep your blood sugar levels near normal.

It is common to change the dose of insulin as the pregnancy progresses. You may also be asked to have one or two ultrasound examinations to check on the growth and size of the baby.

See "Gestational diabetes mellitus: Obstetric issues and management". Nonstress testing — You may need tests to monitor the health of the baby during the later stages of pregnancy, especially if your blood sugars have been high, you are using insulin, or if you have any pregnancy-related complications eg, high blood pressure.

The most commonly used test is the nonstress test. This test is discussed in a separate topic review. See "Patient education: Postterm pregnancy Beyond the Basics ". If your blood sugar levels are close to normal during pregnancy and you have no other complications, the ideal time to give birth is between 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy, no later than your due date.

If you do not give birth by your due date, you may be offered induction of labor or additional testing to monitor your and your baby's health.

In most individuals with gestational diabetes and a normal-size baby, there are no advantages to a cesarean over a vaginal birth, although cesarean may be needed in any pregnancy, especially with a first baby. Those with a very large baby may be offered cesarean birth before labor starts.

The risks and benefits of cesarean birth are discussed separately. See "Patient education: C-section cesarean delivery Beyond the Basics ". Your blood sugar levels will be monitored during labor. Most individuals have normal blood sugar levels during labor and do not need any insulin.

Insulin is given if your blood sugar level becomes high. High blood sugar levels during labor can cause problems in the baby, both before and after delivery.

See "Pregestational preexisting and gestational diabetes: Intrapartum and postpartum glucose management". After giving birth, most individuals with gestational diabetes have normal blood sugar levels and do not require further treatment with insulin.

You can return to your prepregnancy diet, and you are encouraged to breastfeed. See "Patient education: Deciding to breastfeed Beyond the Basics ". However, your doctor may check your blood sugar level the day after delivery to be sure that it is normal or near normal.

Pregnancy itself does not increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, having gestational diabetes does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. After you deliver, you should have testing for type 2 diabetes.

Typically, this is done between 4 and 12 weeks postpartum, ideally prior to your postpartum check-up. But it may be done in the hospital before you are discharged. Testing usually includes a two-hour glucose tolerance test GTT so that you are tested for both pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Risk of recurrent gestational diabetes — One-third to two-thirds of individuals who have gestational diabetes in one pregnancy will have it again in a later pregnancy. If you are overweight or obese, weight reduction through diet and exercise can reduce this risk.

Risk of developing type 2 diabetes — Individuals with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, especially if they have other risk factors eg, family history of type 2 diabetes.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is greatly affected by body weight. Individuals with obesity have a 50 to 75 percent risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while this risk is less-than percent in those who are a normal weight.

If you are overweight or obese, you can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by losing weight and exercising regularly. The American Diabetes Association ADA recommends that all persons with a history of gestational diabetes have testing for type 2 diabetes every one to three years after their initial post-pregnancy test for diabetes.

If you have elevations in your blood sugars in the pre-diabetes range at the time of your postpartum screening, the ADA recommends testing yearly testing.

It is also recommended that you work with your primary care provider to eat a healthy diet, lose any excess weight, and exercise regularly to help decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease — Individuals who have had gestational diabetes in the past are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. While this is mostly tied to the risk of type 2 diabetes see above , even those who do not develop type 2 diabetes appear to have a small increase in their risk of heart disease later in life.

Continuing to make healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help minimize this risk.

See "Patient education: Diet and health The Basics ". Birth control — Individuals with a history of gestational diabetes can use any type of birth control after pregnancy. A review of all of the birth control options is available separately. See "Patient education: Birth control; which method is right for me?

Beyond the Basics ". Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. This article will be updated as needed on our web site www.

Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for health care professionals, are also available.

Some of the most relevant are listed below. Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials. The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition.

These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials. Patient education: Gestational diabetes The Basics. Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed.

These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon. Patient education: Preeclampsia Beyond the Basics Patient education: Glucose monitoring in diabetes Beyond the Basics Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Insulin treatment Beyond the Basics Patient education: Postterm pregnancy Beyond the Basics Patient education: C-section cesarean delivery Beyond the Basics Patient education: Deciding to breastfeed Beyond the Basics Patient education: Birth control; which method is right for me?

Beyond the Basics. Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based.

Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and initial evaluation of diabetes mellitus in adults Effects of advanced maternal age on pregnancy Infants of mothers with diabetes IMD Pregestational preexisting diabetes mellitus: Obstetric issues and management Gestational diabetes mellitus: Screening, diagnosis, and prevention Gestational diabetes mellitus: Glucose management and maternal prognosis Gestational diabetes mellitus: Obstetric issues and management Pregestational preexisting and gestational diabetes: Intrapartum and postpartum glucose management.

htm , available in Spanish. The editorial staff at UpToDate would like to acknowledge Donald R Coustan, MD, and Michael F Greene, MD, who contributed to earlier versions of this topic review.

Contributor disclosures are reviewed for conflicts of interest by the editorial group. When found, these are addressed by vetting through a multi-level review process, and through requirements for references to be provided to support the content.

Appropriately referenced content is required of all authors and must conform to UpToDate standards of evidence. Conflict of interest policy. Gestational diabetes mellitus: Screening, diagnosis, and prevention. Accessed Nov. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes — Diabetes Care.

Mack LR, et al. Gestational diabetes — Diagnosis, classification, and clinical care. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. Tsirou E, et al. Guidelines for medical nutrition therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and critical appraisal.

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Rasmussen L, et al. Diet and healthy lifestyle in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Caughey AB. Gestational diabetes mellitus: Obstetric issues and management. Castro MR expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. Associated Procedures. Glucose challenge test. Glucose tolerance test. Labor induction. Show the heart some love! Give Today. Help us advance cardiovascular medicine. Find a doctor.

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Women with a history of gestational diabetes have an increased risk for recurrent diabetes in subsequent pregnancies and a fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes as they age compared to women without gestational diabetes.

Learn More. Breadcrumb Home About Diabetes Gestational Diabetes. Gestational Diabetes. Up to 10 percent of pregnancies in the U. are affected by gestational diabetes every year.

How You Can Treat It The key is to act quickly. Diabetes in Pregnancy Professional Resources Women with a history of gestational diabetes have an increased risk for recurrent diabetes in subsequent pregnancies and a fold risk of developing type 2 diabetes as they age compared to women without gestational diabetes.

Read More.

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Risk factors for gestational diabetes include: Being overweight or obese Not being physically active Having prediabetes Having had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy Having polycystic ovary syndrome Having an immediate family member with diabetes Having previously delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds 4.

Complications that may affect your baby If you have gestational diabetes, your baby may be at increased risk of: Excessive birth weight.

If your blood sugar level is higher than the standard range, it can cause your baby to grow too large. Very large babies — those who weigh 9 pounds or more — are more likely to become wedged in the birth canal, have birth injuries or need a C-section birth.

Early preterm birth. High blood sugar may increase the risk of early labor and delivery before the due date. Or early delivery may be recommended because the baby is large. Serious breathing difficulties. Babies born early may experience respiratory distress syndrome — a condition that makes breathing difficult.

Low blood sugar hypoglycemia. Sometimes babies have low blood sugar hypoglycemia shortly after birth. Severe episodes of hypoglycemia may cause seizures in the baby. Prompt feedings and sometimes an intravenous glucose solution can return the baby's blood sugar level to normal.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. Babies have a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Untreated gestational diabetes can result in a baby's death either before or shortly after birth. Complications that may affect you Gestational diabetes may also increase your risk of: High blood pressure and preeclampsia. Gestational diabetes raises your risk of high blood pressure, as well as preeclampsia — a serious complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and other symptoms that can threaten both your life and your baby's life.

Having a surgical delivery C-section. You're more likely to have a C-section if you have gestational diabetes. Future diabetes.

If you have gestational diabetes, you're more likely to get it again during a future pregnancy. You also have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes as you get older. Eat healthy foods. Choose foods high in fiber and low in fat and calories.

Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without compromising taste or nutrition. Watch portion sizes. Keep active. Exercising before and during pregnancy can help protect you from developing gestational diabetes.

Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days of the week. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride your bike.

Swim laps. Short bursts of activity — such as parking further away from the store when you run errands or taking a short walk break — all add up. Start pregnancy at a healthy weight.

If you're planning to get pregnant, losing extra weight beforehand may help you have a healthier pregnancy. Focus on making lasting changes to your eating habits that can help you through pregnancy, such as eating more vegetables and fruits. Don't gain more weight than recommended.

Gaining some weight during pregnancy is typical and healthy. But gaining too much weight too quickly can increase your risk of gestational diabetes. Ask your health care provider what a reasonable amount of weight gain is for you.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Apr 09, Show References. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. Diabetes and Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Accessed Dec. Gestational diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gestational diabetes mellitus. Mayo Clinic; Durnwald C. Gestational diabetes mellitus: Screening, diagnosis, and prevention.

Accessed Nov. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes — Diabetes Care. Mack LR, et al. Gestational diabetes — Diagnosis, classification, and clinical care. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America.

: Blood sugar regulation in pregnancy

How to Prepare for the Test	Gestational diabetes Calcium for teeth Establishing meal schedules if Establishing meal schedules have one or more elevated blood sugar Bood. Blood pressure monitoring pregnanxy Blood pressure may become preynancy during pregnancy sugra should be measured at every appointment. Because it is a liquid, milk sugar is absorbed quickly. Individuals with type 1 diabetes with preexisting microvascular complications or hypertension have a higher risk of growth restriction, compared with those without preexisting vascular disease. Glucose tolerance test. Bell R, Glinianaia SV, Tennant PW, et al.
Breadcrumb	And this means that she may need up to three times as much insulin to compensate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC estimates that gestational diabetes affects between 2 and 10 percent of pregnancies in the United States. Insulin is the most common medicine for treating gestational diabetes. A large baby can be difficult to deliver vaginally. There are many ways to combat gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes	If Blood sugar regulation in pregnancy blood sugar pregnanccy are high after eating, regulationn may need Green tea extract and digestion Blood sugar regulation in pregnancy yourself a shot three Blpod four times per day. Insulin rrgulation a hormone that Blod glucose sugar in the bloodstream to enter the cells of the body. Product Editorial Subscription Options Subscribe Sign in. During pregnancy, the fetus and placenta produce hormones that make the pregnant individual resistant to their own insulin. Insulin requirements usually return to near-prepregnancy levels within 48 hours. Sometimes babies have low blood sugar hypoglycemia shortly after birth. Because it is a liquid, milk sugar is absorbed quickly.
How the Test is Performed	Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. It's stressful to know you have a condition that can affect your unborn baby's health. But the steps that will help control your blood sugar level — such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly — can help relieve stress, nourish your baby and help prevent type 2 diabetes in the future. You may feel better if you learn as much as you can about gestational diabetes. Talk to your health care team, or read books and articles about gestational diabetes. You may find a support group for people with gestational diabetes helpful. Ask your health care team for suggestions. You'll likely find out you have gestational diabetes from routine screening during your pregnancy. Your health care provider may refer you to additional health professionals who specialize in diabetes, such as an endocrinologist, a certified diabetes care and education specialist, or a registered dietitian. One or more of these care providers can help you learn to manage your blood sugar level during your pregnancy. You may want to take a family member or friend along to your appointment, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your health care provider. Your health care provider is also likely to have questions for you, especially if it's your first visit. Questions may include:. On this page. Coping and support. Preparing for your appointment. Routine screening for gestational diabetes Screening tests may vary slightly depending on your health care provider, but generally include: Initial glucose challenge test. Follow-up glucose tolerance testing. This test is similar to the initial test — except the sweet solution will have even more sugar and your blood sugar will be checked every hour for three hours. If at least two of the blood sugar readings are higher than expected, you'll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. More Information. Glucose challenge test. Glucose tolerance test. Treatment for gestational diabetes includes: Lifestyle changes Blood sugar monitoring Medication, if necessary Managing your blood sugar levels helps keep you and your baby healthy. Lifestyle changes Your lifestyle — how you eat and move — is an important part of keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Lifestyle changes include: Healthy diet. A healthy diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein — foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fat and calories — and limits highly refined carbohydrates, including sweets. A registered dietitian or a certified diabetes care and education specialist can help you create a meal plan based on your current weight, pregnancy weight gain goals, blood sugar level, exercise habits, food preferences and budget. Staying active. Regular physical activity plays a key role in every wellness plan before, during and after pregnancy. Exercise lowers your blood sugar. As an added bonus, regular exercise can help relieve some common discomforts of pregnancy, including back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation and trouble sleeping. Blood sugar monitoring While you're pregnant, your health care team may ask you to check your blood sugar four or more times a day — first thing in the morning and after meals — to make sure your level stays within a healthy range. Medication If diet and exercise aren't enough to manage your blood sugar levels, you may need insulin injections to lower your blood sugar. Close monitoring of your baby An important part of your treatment plan is close observation of your baby. Follow-up after delivery Your health care provider will check your blood sugar level after delivery and again in 6 to 12 weeks to make sure that your level has returned to within the standard range. Request an appointment. Labor induction. Clinical trials. What you can do Before your appointment: Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, ask if you need to fast for lab tests or do anything else to prepare for diagnostic tests. Make a list of symptoms you're having, including those that may seem unrelated to gestational diabetes. You may not have noticeable symptoms, but it's good to keep a log of anything unusual you notice. Make a list of key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes. Make a list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins or supplements you're taking. Make a list of questions to help make the most of your time with your health care provider. Some basic questions to ask your health care provider include: What can I do to help control my condition? Can you recommend a registered dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist who can help me plan meals, an exercise program and coping strategies? Will I need medication to control my blood sugar? What symptoms should prompt me to seek medical attention? Are there brochures or other printed materials I can take? What websites do you recommend? What to expect from your doctor Your health care provider is also likely to have questions for you, especially if it's your first visit. Questions may include: Have you experienced increased thirst or excessive urination? If so, when did these symptoms start? How often do you have them? Have you noticed other unusual symptoms? Do you have a parent or sibling who's ever been diagnosed with diabetes? Have you been pregnant before? Did you have gestational diabetes during your previous pregnancies? Did you have other problems in previous pregnancies? If you have other children, how much did each weigh at birth? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Apr 09, Show References. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. Diabetes and Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Dec. Gestational diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Gestational diabetes mellitus. Mayo Clinic; Durnwald C. Doctors most often test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Often gestational diabetes can be managed through eating healthy foods and regular exercise. Sometimes a woman with gestational diabetes must also take insulin. Learn more about Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Services. Blood sugar that is not well controlled in a woman with gestational diabetes can lead to problems for the pregnant woman and the baby:. Besides causing discomfort to the woman during the last few months of pregnancy, an extra-large baby can lead to problems during delivery for both the mother and the baby. The mother might need a C-Section to deliver the baby. The baby can be born with nerve damage due to pressure on the shoulder during delivery. A woman who has diabetes that is not well controlled has a higher chance of needing a C-section to deliver the baby. When the baby is delivered by a C-section, it takes longer for the woman to recover from childbirth. It is a serious problem that needs to be watched closely and managed by her doctor. High blood pressure can cause harm to both the woman and her unborn baby. It might lead to the baby being born early and also could cause seizures or a stroke a blood clot or a bleed in the brain that can lead to brain damage in the woman during labor and delivery. Women with diabetes have high blood pressure more often than women without diabetes. Listen to this Podcast: Gestational Diabetes. People with diabetes who take insulin or other diabetes medications can develop blood sugar that is too low. Low blood sugar can be very serious, and even fatal, if not treated quickly. Seriously low blood sugar can be avoided if women watch their blood sugar closely and treat low blood sugar early. Women who had gestational diabetes or who develop prediabetes can also learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program National DPP , CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs.

Video

Pediatrician Discusses Journey with Gestational Diabetes