[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][section-separator header=’Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Risks’][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diabetes first recognized in pregnancy. This can occur in up to 20% of pregnant women and can often go undetected. If left untreated though, it can lead to complications for you and your baby.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’Unfortunately, you may not even realize you have gestational diabetes because there are not always obvious symptoms. Some people may experience extreme tiredness, excessive thirst, headaches and an increase in the amount and frequency of urination.’ link=’/about-diabetes-landing/top-10-diabetes-symptoms/’ title=”Symptoms” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’When you’re pregnant, gestational diabetes can occur if your body can’t produce enough insulin to adapt to the effects of a growing baby and your changing hormone levels.’ link=’/diabetes-overview-articles/gestational-diabetes/diabetes-for-two-diabetes-diagnosis-during-pregnancy/’ title=”Causes” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’Canadian clinical guidelines for diabetes recommend that all pregnant women get tested for GDM between the 24th and 28th week of their pregnancy.’ link=’/diabetes-overview-articles/managing-a-diagnosis-of-gestational-diabetes/’ title=”Diagnosis” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’Fortunately, you can manage gestational diabetes but when left untreated, the condition can increase your risk for a bigger baby (greater than 9 lbs) and a more complicated delivery.’ link=’/diabetes-overview-articles/risks-gestational-diabetes/’ title=”Risks” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont1′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][section-separator header=’Management’][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The goal for gestational diabetes is to control blood sugar levels. This is often accomplished with a healthy diet and exercise. If diet and exercise aren’t enough, you may need insulin injections. Some healthcare providers prescribe an oral medication to manage blood sugar levels. Treatment often includes daily blood glucose testing as well.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][read-more link=’/diabetes-overview-articles/managing-a-diagnosis-of-gestational-diabetes/’][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][section-separator header=’Lifestyle management’][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’A healthy low glycemic meal plan is important for people with gestational diabetes. A variety of healthy foods are needed for a balanced diet. This includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, and a moderate amount of whole grains.’ link=’/healthy-living-landing/diabetes-diet/’ title=”Diet” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’The Canadian recommendations for exercise for people with diabetes include both aerobic (physical activity that increases the heart rate and the body’s use of oxygen) and resistance exercise (e.g. lifting weights).’ link=’/healthy-living-landing/fitness-exercise/’ title=”Exercise” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’Managing a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can add additional challenges and therefore result in new stressors in a woman’s life, so it is helpful to learn coping strategies during this time.’ link=’/healthy-living-landing/emotional-wellbeing/’ title=”Emotional well-being” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont2′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][section-separator header=’Medication and Monitoring’][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””][page-link-card description=”If diet and exercise aren’t enough to manage your blood sugar levels, you may need insulin injections. Some people may alternatively be prescribed an oral medication.” link=’/healthy-living-landing/medication/’ title=”Medication” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’Blood glucose monitoring is the main tool you have to measure your diabetes control. You and your healthcare team can determine the most appropriate system for you. ‘ link=’/healthy-living-landing/diabetes-monitoring/’ title=”Monitoring” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][ad-slot slotcode=’div-gpt-ad-lb-resp-cont3′][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][section-separator header=’Risks and Complications’][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Risks associated with of gestational diabetes include having a larger than normal sized baby, having high blood pressure during pregnancy, and having an early delivery or Caesarian section. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’Women with gestational diabetes also have an increased risk for high blood pressure and swelling, as well as excess amniotic fluid, and premature birth..’ link=’/diabetes-overview-articles/risks-gestational-diabetes/’ title=”” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text][page-link-card description=’If GDM goes undetected or untreated, the higher sugars in the mother’s blood can affect the baby.’ link=’/diabetes-overview-articles/gestational-diabetes/diabetes-for-two-diabetes-diagnosis-during-pregnancy/’ title=”” ][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
