What is gestational diabetes mellitus?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from using insulin effectively. Glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by other hormones produced during pregnancy that can make insulin less effective, a condition referred to as insulin resistance. Gestational diabetic symptoms disappear following delivery.

What causes gestational diabetes mellitus?

Although the cause of GDM is not known, there are some theories as to why the condition occurs.

The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, and also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy. Some of these hormones (estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen) can have a blocking effect on insulin. This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.

What are the risks factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus?

Although any woman can develop GDM during pregnancy, some of the factors that may increase the risk include the following:

• ✅ Overweight or obesity
• ✅ Family history of diabetes
• ✅ Having given birth previously to an infant weighing greater than 9 pounds
• ✅ Age (women who are older than 25 are at a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes than younger women)
• ✅ Prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance