Gestational Diabetes - Types Of Diabetes: Diabetes
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus occurs in about 135,000 U.S. women each year, usually around weeks 24–28 of pregnancy. Hormones produced by the placenta that hinder the action of the mother's insulin probably trigger it. This disorder can result in babies who are larger than normal, and it puts the woman and her baby at greater risk for complications at the time of delivery. Diet, insulin therapy, or glucose-lowering medications are often needed to help control blood sugar levels.
| Last updated: | January 23, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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