Gestational Diabetes is usually diagnosed after you are 6 weeks pregnant and closer to when you are 6 months pregnant. Much like Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes can cause blood sugar levels to rise and become too high. All pregnant women run the risk of developing gestational diabetes. You can keep a week by week pregnancy calendar to keep track of your diet during pregnancy, but about 5-10% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.
How do I know if I am at risk of developing gestational diabetes?
As stated, anyone is at a risk of developing gestational diabetes. However, there are certain factors that can put you more at risk; hence knowing what to avoid during pregnancy becomes even more pivotal. Some of these involve having a high BMI (body mass index), especially over 30. You are also at a higher risk if you are aged 30 or older and/or have a close relative that has diabetes. Since the body becomes more resistant to insulin during pregnancy, there is also a risk of developing gestational diabetes since the body needs to produce high amounts of glucose for sustaining energy in the body.
How can I lower the risk?
There is no way to guarantee that you won’t get gestational diabetes, but the only way to reduce the risk is to keep a track of your pregnancy. There are several methods such as using pregnancy tracking apps, tracking pregnancy week by week taking care for your intake of food during pregnancy, and following the pregnancy tips and advice from your doctor.
Gestational diabetes does not affect pregnancy, and most women go on to have a successfully delivery and healthy child if you keep your glucose and sugar levels in check. You must ensure that you follow the treatment plan and remain in consultation with your doctor for a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery.
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| What To Avoid During Pregnancy - BabyBerry |
How do I know if I am at risk of developing gestational diabetes?
As stated, anyone is at a risk of developing gestational diabetes. However, there are certain factors that can put you more at risk; hence knowing what to avoid during pregnancy becomes even more pivotal. Some of these involve having a high BMI (body mass index), especially over 30. You are also at a higher risk if you are aged 30 or older and/or have a close relative that has diabetes. Since the body becomes more resistant to insulin during pregnancy, there is also a risk of developing gestational diabetes since the body needs to produce high amounts of glucose for sustaining energy in the body.
How can I lower the risk?
There is no way to guarantee that you won’t get gestational diabetes, but the only way to reduce the risk is to keep a track of your pregnancy. There are several methods such as using pregnancy tracking apps, tracking pregnancy week by week taking care for your intake of food during pregnancy, and following the pregnancy tips and advice from your doctor.
Gestational diabetes does not affect pregnancy, and most women go on to have a successfully delivery and healthy child if you keep your glucose and sugar levels in check. You must ensure that you follow the treatment plan and remain in consultation with your doctor for a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery.

