Gestational diabetes: Facts that everyone should know

In today’s blog, attorney and physician touches on a topic in which medical malpractice occurs – gestational diabetes.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes (GD) occurs when the blood glucose levels are elevated during pregnancy. About 4 to 10 percent of pregnancies in the United States will result in GD. GD can occur at any time during pregnancy.

The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin which helps move sugar from our food into our cells. When a woman has gestational diabetes, the pancreas might not be able to make enough insulin for the body to use properly. When sugar is unable to get into the cells, it stays in the blood and causes high blood glucose levels which can cause problems for both mom and baby.

What complications can occur with gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is associated with a number of complications. If left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications for women and their babies. Bruce G. Fagel outlines two of the most common complications below.

- Low glucose levels in the baby (hypoglycemia)

- Birth defects including neural tube defects, small kidneys, breathing problems, low muscle tone, macrosomia (too large body size), jaundice

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

It is possible for gestational diabetes to be missed and go untreated. This can lead to medical complications later in the pregnancy for both mom and baby. A blood test called a glucose challenge or GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test) will determine if there are high levels of sugar present in your blood stream. The test can tell whether you have gestational diabetes or not and if gestational diabetes is present it can show if your blood sugars are still rising even after eating.

For more about Dr. Bruce G. Fagel, his work and medical malpractice articles, visit this website.