Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to the high blood glucose that is diagnosed first time during pregnancy. It mostly develops during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. It can also include undiagnosed type 2 diabetes identified early in pregnancy. 

The major cause of gestational diabetes are the release of placental hormones that contribute to the increase in the blood glucose. 

The factors that can increase the risk of gestational diabetes include increased body weight, decreased physical activity, family history of diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and prior history of gestational diabetes. 

Managing gestational diabetes is very important to avoid both fetal and maternal complications. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are the cornerstone treatment approaches for this condition. In case of failure of these conventional approaches, insulin might be required.