Gestational diabetes
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If you're pregnant and nearing the end of your second trimester you may be screened for gestational diabetes. Find out more about this condition and what it means for the health of you and your baby.
What is gestational diabetes?
When you're not pregnant, a hormone called insulin breaks down the sugar in your blood so your body can use it as energy or store it. When you're pregnant your body has to produce extra insulin so your baby gets enough sugar (glucose). Gestational diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin to deal with the sugar, so you have too much sugar in your blood.
What are the signs of gestational diabetes?
- More thirsty than usual
- Tired
- Need to go to the toilet frequently
- Blurred vision
But just because you have these signs, it doesn't automatically mean you have gestational diabetes as all these are also common pregnancy symptoms.
Can I be tested for gestational diabetes?
Some women are tested for gestational diabetes as part of their antenatal tests, but in some areas of the country you'll be only tested if you're showing symptoms or if you're considered to be higher risk. Those people include those who:
- Are overweight (BMI over 30)
- Have a family history of gestational diabetes
- Have Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Have had a stillbirth previously
- Have given birth to a baby over 9lb 14oz
- Have had gestational diabetes before
The most basic test is a dipstick test which shows up sugar in your urine, but it's not thought to be very reliable.
There is also the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) which you have between 24 and 28 weeks. The test involves fasting for a period of time, drinking a glucose solution such as Lucozade, then having a blood and urine test after a certain amount of time to see how your body has dealt with the excess sugar.
By Anna Penniceard
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