Diabetes and Diabetic Nurse Education and Practice

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is developed during pregnancy (gestation). Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects the usage of glucose by cells. High blood sugar can be caused by gestational diabetes and this can affect the pregnancy and the health of baby. Gestational diabetes can be controlled by women by eating healthy foods, exercising and taking medication if necessary. Controlling blood sugar can prevent a difficult birth and can keep both the mother and baby healthy. In gestational diabetes, blood sugar returns to normal soon after delivery. But a person having gestational diabetes can have a risk for type 2 diabetes.

• Excessive birth weight
• Early (preterm) birth and respiratory distress syndrome
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure and preeclampsia
• Ophthalmologic problem in Diabetes