Gestational Diabetes

Overcoming the Challenge

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s commonly related to hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. These changes can adversely affect your body’s ability to use insulin. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause serious health problems both for the mother and her baby.

Insulin is a hormone produced in an organ called the pancreas, which is located below and behind the stomach. Insulin is necessary to move blood sugar into the body’s cells, where glucose is stored and later used for energy. However, pregnancy hormones can sometimes block insulin from doing its job. When this happens, glucose levels may increase in a pregnant woman’s blood.

The good news is that gestational diabetes can often be managed with daily blood sugar monitoring, a healthy eating plan, and adequate physical activity. In some cases, you may need insulin to appropriately treat this type of diabetes.

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, we can help you improve your understanding of the disease and give you guidance on how to get your health back on track.