Sunanda is in her 28^th week of pregnancy and has just been told that she has developed diabetes in pregnancy. Diabetes that develops or is first detected in pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes.

Sunetra, on the other hand, has been a diabetic for the past 3 years. She is 29 years old and is pregnant for the first time. Both of them may expect some problems in pregnancy if the sugar levels are not kept under good control.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes caused by pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually begins in the second half of pregnancy. This condition is becoming more common in Indian women and may affect up to 10% of pregnant women. Unless properly controlled, it can lead to problems for both the mother and her baby.

The blood sugar levels, as a rule, return to normal after the baby is born. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that developing gestational diabetes is a warning that a woman may develop full-blown diabetes later on in life.

What increases the chances of developing diabetes in pregnancy?

 The risk of developing gestational diabetes increases with

• age over 30
• being overweight prior to pregnancy
• a family history of diabetes
• a history of diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• a big baby in a previous pregnancy
• a history of a stillbirth late in pregnancy
• polycystic ovarian syndrome