quick clicks

iparenting canada articles

iparenting canada q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Gestational Diabetes and You

The Facts About this Misunderstood Condition

By Dorothy Nelson

The exact cause of diabetes in many cases is unknown, although research has shown a link to family medical history and obesity. "You may also be at increased risk for GDM if you are Asian, Hispanic, have had poor obstetric outcomes or are 25 or older," says Dr. Berger. Once you have gestational diabetes, there's a very high likelihood you'll have it with each subsequent pregnancy.

The biggest concern, of course, is for your health and that of your baby. If you have gestational diabetes, it is believed you have up to a 50-percent chance of developing diabetes after pregnancy. Although not proven, research supports that if the condition is well managed after pregnancy, it may help prevent future onset. For example, returning to your pre-pregnancy weight and exercising regularly may help ward off diabetes.

The threat for babies of mothers with GDM is that if the condition is not controlled, the baby could potentially weigh more than average, which could cause birthing complications and Cesarean section. The good news is that when this disease is well managed, it reduces risk to you and your child. Your obstetrician may recommend that you see an endocrinologist to further help you manage your sugars.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 means you are insulin dependent. Type 2 means your diabetes can be controlled by dieting, pills or a combination of pills and insulin.

Want to see more?

• Eating for Two
• Gestational Diabetes: It's Not the End of the World
• Pregnant and Diabetic: How Will Diabetes Affect Your Pregnancy?
• Talk about it!