It is a metabolic disorder that first develops during pregnancy, due to the body's inability to produce and use insulin properly, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. This rise in blood sugar can be harmful to both mother and foetus if not properly controlled.
Associated risk factors include obesity, family history of diabetes, advanced maternal age, history of gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies, among others.
It usually goes unnoticed without obvious symptoms, however, some women may experience excessive thirst, increased urination, fatigue and blurred vision.
Diagnosis is made by glucose screening tests during pregnancy, usually between 24 and 28 weeks. If the diagnosis is confirmed, it is essential to control blood glucose levels through diet, exercise and, in some cases, medications such as insulin.
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- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/
