women s health issues
Diabetes During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes
Approximately 4% of pregnant women develop diabetes during pregnancy. This disorder is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is more common among women with: Obesity Family history of diabetes Certain heritage, particularly non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latina Unrecognized and untreated, gestational diabetes can increase the risk of health problems for pregnant women and the fetus and the risk of death for the fetus. Most women with gestational diabetes develop it because they cannot produce enoughinsulin.Insulinhelps control the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Moreinsulinis needed during pregnancy because the placenta produces a hormone that makes the body less responsive toinsulin(a condition calledinsulinresistance). This effect is particularly noticeable late in the pregnancy, when the placenta is enlarging. As a result, the blood sugar level tends to increase. Then, even moreinsulinis needed. Some women may have had diabetes before becoming pregnant, but the disease was not recognized until they became pregnant. 