Causes: The exact cause of gestational diabetes is not fully understood. However, hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin.

Risk Factors: Certain factors can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, including being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, being older than 25 years, having a history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies, and certain ethnic backgrounds (such as Hispanic, African-American, Asian, or Pacific Islander).

Screening and Diagnosis: Pregnant women are typically screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This usually involves a glucose challenge test, where a woman drinks a sweet beverage and her blood sugar levels are measured. If the initial test indicates high blood sugar levels, a follow-up glucose tolerance test may be conducted for confirmation.

Effects on the Mother: Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. It can lead to high blood pressure, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Effects on the Baby: When a mother has gestational diabetes, the baby is exposed to higher levels of blood sugar. This can lead to excessive growth (macrosomia), increasing the risk of birth injuries and the need for a cesarean delivery. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may also have low blood sugar after birth and a higher risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Management and Treatment: Managing gestational diabetes involves maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through a combination of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels. In some cases, insulin or other medications may be prescribed to control blood sugar levels.

Postpartum Follow-up: After delivery, blood sugar levels usually return to normal. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Therefore, it is important to have regular postpartum check-ups and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk.