Gestational diabetes is the condition by which pregnant women who have never had diabetes suddenly find that they are insulin resistant and have a resultant high level of sugar in their blood. It is believed that this condition arises as a result of the actions of certain hormones produced in the placenta. Estrogen, cortisol and human placental lactogen (HPL) block the action of insulin in the mother’s body. The body will attempt to compensate with an oversupply of insulin produced in the pancreas. For most mothers this works fine. For about 4 % of all pregnant women, however, it does not, and gestational diabetes is the result.

Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can have adverse effects on the baby. Excess blood glucose passes through the placenta with the result that your baby will also have high blood glucose levels. This causes the baby’s pancreas to produce more insulin to get rid of the excess glucose. The baby is now getting more energy that in needs. The excess will be stored as fat and can lead to a condition known as ‘macrosomia.’

The goal of gestational diabetes treatment is maintain a blood glucose level similar to pregnant women who do not have the condition. Treatment typically includes special meal plans, physical activity sessions, daily glucose level testing and insulin injection.