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Gestational Diabetes Causes

The hormonal changes that happen in pregnancy can cause gestational diabetes in pregnant women at risk for the condition.  Hormones produced by the placenta -- including estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen (HPL) --  increase insulin resistance in some women, which results in high blood sugars.  This usually occurs between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes goes away when the baby is born, but women who have had the condition are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
 
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Risk Assessment
Know what your risk is for developing gestational diabetes in pregnancy, and how to lower it.
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Your Questions Answered

Hi, I'm 32 and 28 weeks pregnant. I was just told that I have gestational diabetes. I was really disappointed. I have a fairly healthy lifestyle. I exercise 2-3 times a wk, and am not overweight. I also have a fairly healthy diet. I'm 5'1 and weigh 115lbs. My question is my mom had gestational diabetes also - is there any relationship there or could it be that my age of 32 is a factor also? Thank-you! Thanh S.

Asked by: thanhsamrith Category: Gestational Diabetes

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Sources
American Diabetes Association. ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2008. Diabetes Care, Volume 31, Supplement 1, January 2008. (PDF accessed 2/19/08).

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08

Last Modified Date: 08/27/2010
All content on dLife.com is created and reviewed in compliance with our editorial policy.

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