Description
A condition in pregnancy in which high blood glucose (sugar) levels develop. About 3%-5% of all pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
The following conditions increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes: being over 25, family history of type 2 diabetes, having prediabetes or prior gestational diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and being of non-white descent.
Women with this disorder are more likely to have abnormally high birth weight babies (macrosomia), babies with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), babies that develop type 2 diabetes later in life, premature deliveries, and problems delivering the baby secondary to the large size of the baby.
Symptoms
Some women do not have symptoms. Others may experience urinating at night, dizziness, blurred vision, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive vomiting.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Glucose measurements will be performed including an oral glucose tolerance test.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Glucose tolerance test
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Glucose measurements will be performed including an oral glucose tolerance test.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Glucose tolerance test
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Treatment
Therapy depends on the level of the blood sugar. Treatment includes dietary changes, exercise, glucose lowering medication, and close monitoring of the baby during the pregnancy.