Diabetes affects approximately 1 out of every 100  women  in her childbearing years.  Approximately 2 to 5% will develop "Gestational Diabetes"  during her pregnancy. This condition usually appears in the later stages of pregnancy, when hormones may not regulate insulin production or absorption correctly.  There are usually no symptoms, however, some women complain of excessive thirst and hunger.  Prolonged fatigue may also be present.  Many times, Gestational Diabetes will disappear after the baby is born.

Getting tested for Gestational Diabetes is simple. 30 minutes after drinking a glass of liquid which contains sugar a health care worker takes a blood sample. The sample will then be tested to see how much sugar is present in the blood. If the blood sugar level is high, then a second test is ran. Again, 30 minutes later your blood is tested. If it is still high, your health care provider may prescribe a special diet for a few days and you will be monitored carefully. Only your health care provider can diagnose Gestational Diabetes, and you will want to follow his/her instructions carefully. If blood sugar levels are controlled during the pregnancy, women with diabetes routinely have babies that are just as healthy as babies born to women who do not have diabetes!  That's GOOD News! It's important for the physician to carefully monitor the patient for signs of complications. Some of the tests your doctor may perform include, but are not limited to, the following: