Gestational diabetes (also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM), is a condition singular to pregnant women.What happens when you have GDM? Normally, your stomach and intestines break down the carbohydrates in the food you eat, turning it into a sugar called glucose (your body's main source of energy). After digestion, glucose moves into your blood to give your body energy.
The trick comes in getting the glucose out of your blood and into the cells of your body. In order to do this, your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. But, if you have diabetes, your body doesn't create enough insulin or your cells don't use it the way they should. And instead, glucose collects and builds up in your blood, causing diabetes, or high blood sugar.
So, how do you find out if you have GDM? Your OB will administer a glucose screening test between weeks 24 and 28 of your pregnancy. You'll drink a sweet, soda-like concoction, and then your doctor will test your blood glucose levels. If you test positive, you and your healthcare provider will manage this condition together.
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Sudden vision changes
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Feeling very tired much of the time
- Very dry skin
- Sores that are slow to heal
- More infections than usual
Some people may experience only a few symptoms that are listed above. About 50 percent of people with type 2 diabetes don't experience any symptoms and don't know they have the disease.
Read more:
Glossary of Gestational Diabetes
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