![\"Gestational](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Gestational-Diabetes-and-Pregnancy-1200x545_c.jpg?resize=492%2C223&ssl=1\")
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Types of Diabetes During Pregnancy<\/h2>\n
Two main types of diabetes can affect pregnancy:<\/p>\n
1- Gestational Diabetes<\/h3>\n
This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy in someone who did not previously have diabetes. It usually resolves after the baby is born, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.<\/p>\n
2-Pregestational diabetes<\/h3>\n
This refers to diabetes that exists before pregnancy. It can be either:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Type 1 diabetes, in which the body does not produce insulin.<\/a><\/strong><\/span> People with this type must take insulin injections.<\/li>\n
- Type 2 diabetes, in which the body does not use insulin properly or does not produce enough of it. This type is usually managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes insulin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why blood sugar control is important in pregnancy<\/h2>\n
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important during pregnancy. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby. Proper management helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of problems for the newborn.<\/p>\n
![\"Motherhood](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-20.jpg?resize=449%2C449&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nHow diabetes during pregnancy can affect your baby<\/h2>\n
During pregnancy<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, the placenta provides your baby with nutrients and water and produces hormones necessary for a healthy pregnancy. However, some of these hormones interfere with the way insulin works \u2014 a condition called insulin resistance. This usually begins around 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.<\/p>\n
As the placenta grows, it produces even more of these insulin-inhibiting hormones. To keep blood sugar levels normal, the pancreas must produce extra insulin. If it can’t make enough insulin, gestational diabetes develops.<\/p>\n
Pregnancy can also change insulin needs in women who already have diabetes.<\/p>\n
- \n
- If you have type 1 diabetes<\/strong>, you may need more insulin than before.<\/li>\n
- If you have type 2 diabetes<\/strong>, you might need to start using insulin or increase your dosage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Risks to the Baby<\/strong><\/h3>\n
When blood sugar is not well controlled during pregnancy, it can harm your baby. High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of complications both before and after birth, including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Excessive birth weight<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- Premature birth<\/li>\n
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after birth<\/li>\n
- Breathing problems<\/li>\n
- Increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Keeping your blood sugar within the target range is one of the most important things you can do to protect your baby’s health.<\/p>\n
![\"Risks](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-1-6.jpg?resize=505%2C378&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nWho Is at Risk for Gestational Diabetes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Certain factors can increase your chances of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy. These include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Being over the age of 25<\/li>\n
- Being overweight or obese<\/li>\n
- Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy<\/li>\n
- Having a family history of diabetes<\/li>\n
- Having previously given birth to a large baby (9 pounds or more)<\/li>\n
- Having experienced a stillbirth<\/li>\n
- Belonging to certain racial or ethnic groups, including African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic\/Latina, or Pacific Islander<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you have one or more of these risk factors, your healthcare provider may monitor you more closely during pregnancy and recommend early screening for gestational diabetes.<\/p>\n
What Symptoms or Problems Can Your Baby Have If You Have Diabetes During Pregnancy?<\/strong><\/p>\n
When diabetes is not well controlled during pregnancy, it can affect your baby\u2019s health both before and after birth. The risks vary depending on whether diabetes began before pregnancy (pregestational) or developed during pregnancy (gestational).<\/p>\n
Possible Problems During Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Birth defects and miscarriage<\/strong> \u2013 Especially in women with diabetes before pregnancy.<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>Commonly affects the heart, brain, spine, and blood vessels.<\/li>\n
- High blood sugar levels in the baby<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Low oxygen levels<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Low iron levels in the blood<\/strong><\/li>\n
- High blood pressure<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Enlarged heart<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Poor development of the lungs and nervous system<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Stillbirth<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Risks](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Pregnant-mother-with-daughter.jpg.webp?resize=519%2C389&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nPossible Problems After Birth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Large body size (macrosomia)<\/strong> \u2013 Increases the risk of delivery complications, such as shoulder injuries.<\/li>\n
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Low blood calcium levels<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Low iron levels<\/strong><\/li>\n
- High red blood cell count<\/strong>, which can cause thickened blood<\/strong><\/li>\n
- High bilirubin levels<\/strong>, which may lead to jaundice<\/li>\n
- Premature birth<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Enlarged heart<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Breathing difficulties<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Long-Term Health Risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- High blood sugar levels in the baby<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Birth defects and miscarriage<\/strong> \u2013 Especially in women with diabetes before pregnancy.<\/a> <\/strong><\/span>Commonly affects the heart, brain, spine, and blood vessels.<\/li>\n
- If you have type 2 diabetes<\/strong>, you might need to start using insulin or increase your dosage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Type 2 diabetes, in which the body does not use insulin properly or does not produce enough of it. This type is usually managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes insulin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-2-4.jpg?resize=640%2C245&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/images-3-5.jpg?resize=354%2C354&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\n