Gestational Diabetes or GDM is a condition where a woman who had not been diagnosed with diabetes shows high sugar levels during her pregnancy. 

This condition develops when the body can not produce enough insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas. The function of this hormone is to regulate sugar levels in the body, enabling sugar storage. A shortage in this hormone makes it impossible for the body to store sugar, thus the body suffers from abnormal glucose levels.
In your prenatal tests your glucose levels will be tested by a urine test. If high levels of glucose are found, you will be referred for blood tests which will determine your state. After a series of tests it will be determined if you are suffering from GDM.

How will GDM affect my pregnancy?
 
The affect of GDM on your pregnancy depends a lot on you. You will need to take of yourself and go by your practitioner's suggestions.
The main complication is that the sugar penetrates through the placenta which can make your baby bigger than average. This can cause difficulties during labor and the chance for a cesarean section grows.
The risk is larger for obese women, women over 35 and won=men with diabetes cases in their family

Maintaining sugar levels

If you are diagnosed with GDM your practitioner will give you a step-by-step plan to maintain sugar levels. Not only will you have to cut down on sugary foods, but also on foods containing caffeine. Your entire diet will change. Instead of eating big meals, you will have to eat smaller meals as not to put pressure on your digestive system.
 Exercise can help maintain sugar levels. For further information about exercise and fitness during your pregnancy go to our Fitness section.
In extreme cases where diet and exercise do not help, you will be given insulin shots. You will be taught to give them yourself.
In any case, your baby will be monitored closely by ultrasounds and checkups.
If you already suffer from diabetes, make sure to consult your practitioner before you conceive. You will be categorized as a high risk pregnancy and will need to go through numerous tests during your pregnancy.

Will GDM continue after birth?

In most cases GDM goes away after your baby is born. You will need to do a blood test three months after you give birth to assure that the GDM has passed.
However, if you had GDM, the chance of developing diabetes later in life increases.
Obese women and older moms should be checked regularly for diabetes.

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