Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

What is it?
Gestational diabetes mellitus
(GDM) is a form of diabetes that
occurs during pregnancy. It
occurs when your body is not
able to maintain normal blood
glucose levels.
Blood glucose is your bodys
main source of energy, which
comes from eating carbohydrates,
such grains, rice, and fruit.
Insulin, which is a hormone your
body produces, helps to deliver
glucose to all areas of your body,
such as your muscles and your
brain.

Why is this important?

If your body is unable to use glucose for energy, it can build up in your blood, causing severe
complications to you and your baby.

How do I know if I have gestational diabetes?

The IADPSG [International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Groups] suggests screening
in all women at the first prenatal visit and a 75 g OGTT [oral glucose tolerance test] between the
24th and 28th week of gestation in those not already diagnosed with overt diabetes or GDM by
early testing. (Karagiannis, 2010)

Are there any signs or symptoms of GDM?

GDM can put you at risk for either hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, or hyperglycemia,
which is high blood sugar. It is important to know what to expect, should you experience any of
these two conditions.

Are you experiencing nervousness, headache, weakness, irritability, hunger, blurred vision, or
tingling of [the] mouth or extremities? (RN, 2013) These could be symptoms of low blood
sugar.
Are you experiencing thirst, nausea, abdominal pain, frequent urination, flushed dry skin, or
fruity-smelling breath? (RN, 2013) These could be symptoms of high blood sugar.

What causes GDM?

When you are pregnant, different
hormones in your body increase to
ensure optimal growth for your
baby. Sometimes, the effects of
these hormones can have other,
unintended effects.
With GDM, your body still
produces insulin, but it is not as
effective at maintaining your blood
sugar level as it was before
pregnancy.

Are there risk factors for developing GDM?

While it isnt guaranteed that all moms will develop GDM, there are risk factors that are
associated with it. These include:
-Obesity
-Aged 25 years and older
-If someone in your family had or has diabetes.
-Previous delivery of a child that was large or stillborn.

How will GDM affect my baby?

Blood sugar levels higher than normal will cause your baby to produce more insulin to
metabolize the excess amount. Insulin is a hormone that will affect the growth of your baby.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to a condition called
macrosomia, which is excessive fetal growth. (RN, 2013)

When your baby is born, it will be necessary to check their blood sugar levels at regular
intervals. Your baby may be at risk for hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar.

Does this mean that I will have diabetes?

No. Normally after birth, your bodys sensitivity to insulin will revert back to its pre-pregnancy
level. If you decide to breastfeed, the milk you produce will utilize glucose from your body,
which will decrease the amount of insulin your body will need to maintain a normal blood sugar
level.
Keep in mind, though, that some mothers do develop type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life. Type
2 diabetes mellitus is similar to gestational diabetes mellitus, in that your body produces insulin,
but is less sensitive to its effects.

References
http://www.diabetesinfo.org.au/webdata/images/Slide15.jpg
http://www.babyresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/here-are-pregnancy-complicationsthat-make-a-woman-gain-more-weight.jpg
Karagiannis, T., Bekiari, E., et.al. (2010). Gestational Diabetes: Why Screen and How to
Diagnose. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2943351/.
Lowdermilk, D., Perry, S., & Cashion, K. (2014). Maternity Nursing. (8th ed.). Maryland
Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
RN Maternal Newborn Nursing (9th ed.). (2013). Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC.