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Information About Gestational Diabetes
Characterized by high blood sugar levels in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs in about 5 percent of pregnancies. Certain factors increase your risk of developing this condition, such as:
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being overweight
- Having had gestational diabetes in the past.
If left untreated, gestational diabetes can lead to health problems for both the mother and fetus, so it is important to get your blood sugar levels under control. Fortunately, treatment is available, and the condition usually goes away after pregnancy for most women.
(Click Gestational Diabetes for more information on this condition, including available treatment options.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD