Gestational diabetesDiabetes develops when the body is unable to produce or efficiently use the insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows cells to turn glucose into fuel. When glucose builds up in the blood in large quantities, it means that your cells aren't getting the fuel they need. Gestational diabetes (GD) is a type of diabetes that can develop in a pregnant woman who did not necessarily have diabetes before becoming pregnant. This condition is caused by changes in a pregnant woman's metabolism and hormone production in which the body does not produce enough insulin to cope with the increased blood sugar of pregnancy. Symptoms of GD may include excessive thirst, more frequent urination, vaginal infections, and high blood pressure. GD almost always goes away once the baby is born and is usually not an indicator of the baby developing diabetes later in life. Although a woman is generally safe from the complications of gestational diabetes, there are some very large risks to the baby. If gestational diabetes goes undiagnosed, the risk of stillbirth is increased. Other complications may include a condition called macrosomia, in which the baby is born weighing 9 pounds or more. Overly large babies can make birth more difficult for both mother and baby, and as a result, birth injuries are more common in these babies. Other problems include hypoglycemia in the baby soon after birth. The risk of gestational diabetes is greater in women who are over 30 years old, have a family history of diabetes, are obese, and in those who have previously had a macrosomic baby. Diagnosis and Management of Gestational Diabetes Screening for gestational diabetes has become routine in the prenatal setting. cure and usually happens… halfway through the document… insulin adjustment becomes a primary focus. Most women with gestational diabetes return to normal glucose tolerance after giving birth, however, they are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes in any additional pregnancies and for getting type 2 diabetes later in life. Lifestyle changes to reduce or prevent weight gain and increase physical activity after pregnancy are recommended and may reduce the risk of subsequent diabetes. Medical nutrition therapy for people with GD should be individualized based on the person, height, weight, physical activity, food aversions, and other medical conditions. Monitoring metabolic parameters, including glucose, lipids, blood pressure, and body weight, as well as the health of the developing child, is important to evaluate the need for changes in medical nutrition therapy and to ensure positive outcomes.