Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.

Due to the growing baby, the body experiences hormonal changes that cause insulin resistance and not enough insulin is made to accommodate for this. As a result, there is an inability to properly regulate blood sugar levels.

Risk factors include:

• age (35 years or older)
• member of a high-risk population and previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes 
• delivery of a baby greater than 9 lbs (4.1 kilograms)

Women who develop GDM have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It has been found that after 16 years, 40% of women with prior GDM will develop type 2 diabetes.

All expecting women should be screened for this between 24-28 weeks of gestation.

If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and would like to learn more about how to self-manage your condition in an interactive and supportive group environment, please see our Gestational Diabetes program.

Diabetes Health Centre Referral Form