Heights OBGYN

Gestational Diabetes

Offering care and support for expectant mothers facing gestational diabetes

Being proactive about prenatal care is important at every stage of pregnancy. This is especially true for patients who develop gestational diabetes. This pregnancy complication can be risky for mothers and babies, but the right treatment can help manage it.

From preconception to postpartum, Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology supports patients and their babies. For those dealing with diabetes during pregnancy, we offer specialized care and services.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The hormones that the placenta makes also interfere with how the body uses insulin. As a result, glucose (blood sugar) builds up instead of being absorbed.

This condition occurs in 3% to 8% of pregnant patients in the United States.

What causes diabetes during pregnancy?

This condition likely occurs due to the placenta. The placenta ensures the growing baby gets the nutrients it needs during pregnancy. To keep the pregnancy, the placenta also makes different hormones.

  • Estrogen
  • Cortisol
  • Human placenta lactogen

While important, these hormones can also block insulin. This is called the contra-insulin effect, and it typically starts to happen at around 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. As the placenta grows, insulin resistance can worsen.

Patients are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if they have certain risk factors.

  • High body mass index (BMI)
  • Family history of diabetes or personal history of prediabetes
  • Older than age 25
  • Delivering a high-weight infant (more than nine pounds) in the past

Certain races are also more likely to develop this issue. However, people of every race can experience it.

How do you diagnose and treat gestational diabetes?

Our San Antonio OBGYNs use bloodwork to screen all women for diabetes during pregnancy. This screening occurs at 24 to 28 weeks.

If a patient tests positive for diabetes during pregnancy, our team can develop a customized treatment plan to manage it.

Treatment for gestational diabetes strives to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Our doctors will base treatment on your personal needs and goals, and your plan may include several approaches.

  • A special diet
  • Regular physical activity
  • Daily glucose monitoring

In some cases, insulin injections may be necessary to manage blood sugar during pregnancy.

Why is it important to treat diabetes during pregnancy?

With the right treatment, it is possible to manage diabetes during pregnancy. This is important because without treatment, diabetes can lead to complications.

  • Having a baby that is much larger than normal (macrosomia)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the infant upon delivery

The good news is that doctors can work with you to manage your blood sugar, so that you can have a healthy baby.

If you have more questions about gestational diabetes or obstetrics care, our San Antonio OBGYNs are here for you and your baby. Contact us to schedule an appointment to get the answers and care you need.