Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is a form of diabetes mellitus that occurs in pregnant women. It occurs in about 2% to 8% of all pregnancies during the later stages, but usually disappears at the end of the pregnancy – but note that it must still be treated during the pregnancy.

It is usually caused by hormones released during pregnancy that hinder the effectiveness of your body's natural insulin, so Gestational diabetes is similar to Type 2 in that the problem is insulin resistance.

Gestational diabetes usually disappears after labour, but women who have had Gestational diabetes have a 20% chance (one in five) of eventually going on to develop full Type 2 within 5 to 10 years; but watching your weight and keeping physically active may prevent this happening.