About Gestational Diabetes
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Gestational Diabetes
The term gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can sound very frightening, and being told that you have developed it was probably not what you were expecting. Having feelings of anxiety or fear is very normal. The word gestational means while you are pregnant, and the word diabetes means high blood sugars. So gestational diabetes means high blood sugars while you are pregnant. It is the most common pregnancy condition. One out of every 12 women develops gestational diabetes.
You probably have many questions and concerns. The education team at the Center for Diabetes in Pregnancy understands how you feel. We specialize in all aspects of diabetes management and are here to help you.
Risk Factors
There is nothing you have done to cause yourself to develop gestational diabetes – remember, anyone can develop GDM. However, the following are risk factors for women most likely to develop GDM:
- Family history of diabetes
- Increase in maternal weight
- Maternal age greater than 25 years old
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Previous history of GDM
- Having had a baby that weighed 9 pounds or more
- History of a stillbirth
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome or thyroid disease
- Multiple gestations