Gestational Diabetes - Graph Diagram

This human anatomy diagram with labels depicts and explains the details and or parts of the Gestational Diabetes. Human anatomy diagrams and charts show internal organs, body systems, cells, conditions, sickness and symptoms information and/or tips to ensure one lives in good health.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Between 3 – 20% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, depending on their risk factors.

In pregnancy, your body naturally becomes slightly insulin resistant, so that more glucose is available in your blood stream to be passed to the baby. If the insulin resistance becomes too strong, your blood glucose levels may rise abnormally. This can cause gestational diabetes. Who is at risk for gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy, the placenta makes hormones that can lead to a buildup of glucose in your blood. Usually, your pancreas can make enough insulin to handle that. If not, your blood sugar levels will rise and can cause gestational diabetes.