Gestational Diabetes occurs only during pregnancy. It affects the way the body uses sugar (glucose), the main source of fuel. Pregnant women are screened for Gestational Diabetes during weeks 24-28 of their pregnancy.
Symptoms:
- Gestational Diabetes has no recognizable symptoms
Description:
- Affects the way the body uses sugar, which is the main source of fuel for the body
- Usually short-term and can be managed. After delivery, blood sugar levels usually returns to normal
Risk Factors:
- Being Obese or Overweight: Women who are obese or overweight are at higher risk of developing Gestational Diabetes.
- Previous Glucose Intolerance: A history of glucose intolerance or previous Gestational Diabetes increases the risk of Gestational Diabetes in a current pregnancy.
- Family History: A family history of Diabetes, a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with diabetes increases the risk or Gestational Diabetes.
- Age: The older a woman is when she becomes pregnant, the higher the risk of Gestational Diabetes.
- High Birth Weight Baby: Having a child nine pounds or larger at birth can increase the risk of Gestational Diabetes.
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