Gestational diabetes

A form of diabetes that women develop during pregnancy,even though they have never had diabetes before. Women are more likely to get gestational diabetes if any of the following factors are present: Older age when they get pregnant (risk starts increasing when women are older than 25 years of age ) Obesity Family history of diabetes in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, etc.) Gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy Previous delivery of a very large infant.

Women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes that is not associated with pregnancy. About 50 percent of women with gestational diabetes will become diabetic in the subsequent 20 years. The infants of women with gestational diabetes may also be more likely to become obese and diabetic. Gestational diabetes should always be treated with diet modification. Insulin may also be required. The risk of recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy is at least 30 percent.