-
Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
What causes gestational diabetes?
Related Topics
-
Find a professional to answer your question
Find a professional to answer your question Search Now
-
Diabetes Australia is the national peak body for diabetes in Australia providing a single, powerful, collective voice for people living with diabetes, their families and … View Profile
In pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow and develop. These hormones also block the action of the mother’s insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Because of this insulin resistance, the need for insulin in pregnancy is 2 to 3 times higher than normal. If you already have insulin resistance, then your body may not be able to cope with the extra demand for insulin production. This results in gestational diabetes.
When the pregnancy is over and blood glucose levels return to normal the diabetes disappears, however this insulin resistance increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.
Report this post
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post. to your account or now (it's free).
You may also like these related questions
-
What could dark patches of skin on my child's neck indicate?
Is it true that this is a sign of type 2 diabetes in children? -
What is a healthy diet for children who have type 2 diabetes?
-
What are the chances of me having diabetes if I am overweight?
