Facts about gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a health problem that affects some pregnant women. According to the ADA, currently gestational diabetes affects around 4% of all women (about 135,000 cases reported per year in the United States alone) although some cases likely go undiscovered or unreported. Learn more about gestational diabetes including how it develops and basic terms associated with this problem. Many studies have been done on gestational diabetes but researchers still aren't sure why this problem affects some women and not others. What researchers do know are the risk factors for developing gestational diabetes. RISK FACTORS

• Have a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes.
• Are significantly overweight.
• Are black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian
• Are older than 25 years of age.

If you fit the above criteria you may be more at risk for developing gestational diabetes while pregnant. AVOID GESTATIONAL DIABETES Make sure you're at your ideal weight before becoming pregnant and maintain healthy weight gain during pregnancy. This means following a healthy meal plan and exercising regularly. TESTING Almost all pregnant women are routinely tested for gestational diabetes at about 24 to 28 weeks. This is called a glucose screen. WHAT IF YOU DO HAVE GESTATIONAL DIABETES? If you have gestational diabetes, you can still deliver a healthy baby. You need to work with a gestational diabetes support team and be extra good about keeping your prenatal appointments.