Health is Wealth by InfoTemple

What is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)?

There are 2 ways to explain about diabetes which can affect women in pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women.  Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before but who have high blood glucose (sugar) levels during pregnancy are at higher risk to have gestational diabetes. This is due to hormone change which happens during pregnancy.   Research done by Disease Control and Prevention has proof of gestational diabetes is as high as 9.2%.

One is called Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - This term is used when you don’t have diabetes before pregnancy.

Second is called Pre-gestational diabetes. This term used for women who already have insulin-dependent diabetes and become pregnant.

GDM is usually diagnosed in late pregnancy (24 to 28th weeks).  In some women diabetes may be diagnosed in early stages, and in these cases, the condition most likely existed before pregnancy.

Women who have had the condition in previous pregnancies or have diabetes type -1 or diabetes type – 2, will be tested at early stages.  With good management of gestational diabetes, you can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.