Understand gestational diabetes and how to prevent diabetes

Source: Diabetes SA- Diabetic Association of South Australia

What is Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are raised above the normal ranges for pregnancy. High blood glucose levels are associated with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and birth, as well as a risk to both you and your child for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Having a good understanding of gestational diabetes can help you to manage blood glucose levels on a day-to-day basis in order to reduce these risks.

This section will cover:
– what is gestational diabetes,
– how our body usually digests food and manages the amount of glucose in our blood,
– how gestational diabetes results in high blood glucose levels,
– screening for gestational diabetes,
– risk factors for developing gestational diabetes,
– risks to you and your baby associated with gestational diabetes.

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government administered by Diabetes Australia.