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Gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes

What is the likelihood of my child or myself developing a long-term form of diabetes?

The risk for the child is low. However, the chances of having a long-term form of diabetes increases with birth size. Obesity is a factor that may contribute to glucose intolerance and diabetes. Therefore, larger babies have a higher chance of getting the disease because they have a higher chance of developing obesity.

The mother is at a high risk of developing diabetes. The risk for getting type 2 diabetes 5-15 years after having gestational diabetes is 40-60% for those who do not have obesity and 75% for those who have obesity, as compared to 15% of women who never had gestational diabetes. Since the risk of type 2 diabetes is so high, it is necessary to be screened for diabetes every year after having gestational diabetes.

How will a physician treat my gestational diabetes?

The physician may ask that lifestyle changes be made to maintain a healthy and safe pregnancy. Lifestyle changes, such as checking blood sugar, limiting the diet to appropriate foods, and exercising will likely be first steps in treating gestational diabetes. Sometimes, daily injections of insulin during pregnancy will be required to manage gestational diabetes. Your physician will determine the combination of treatments that will keep the mother and baby healthy.

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