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Who is at risk for developing gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes can affect any woman during pregnancy. Factors which may increase a woman's risk for developing gestational diabetes are obesity; a family history of diabetes; previously giving birth to a large infant; a stillbirth; or a child with a birth defect; or having too much amniotic fluid. Women who are over 25 years of age are at an increased risk for developing gestational diabetes as compared to younger women. Because all women are at risk for gestational diabetes it is necessary that precautions be taken such as screening for the disease through various methods. Such precautions will help to ensure all expecting women the chance of having a healthy pregnancy even if it is discovered that gestational diabetes is present.

How is gestational diabetes detected?

A woman who is at risk for gestational diabetes will be screened for the disease with a glucose challenge. This screening usually takes place between the twenty-fourth and twenty-eighth weeks of pregnancy. The glucose challenge helps the doctor decide whether your body is able to overcome the insulin resistance on its own. The screening consists of having a glucose drink without food.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when any two of the following are noted: a fasting plasma glucose of more than 95 mg/dL, a 1 - hour (post glucose challenge) blood sugar level of more than 180 mg/dL, a 2 - hour (post glucose challenge) level of more than 155 mg/dL, or a 3 - hour (post glucose challenge) level of more than 140 mg/dL. Through general screening during pregnancy, gestational diabetes may be identified and can at least lead to appropriate testing.

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