How to Keep Gestational Diabetes at Bay

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that starts during pregnancy. It can cause many problems.

These can include high blood pressure and trouble during childbirth. It can also cause problems for your baby. Plus, if you get gestational diabetes, you have a 67% risk of getting it again in later pregnancies. And your risk doesn't stop there. Women with gestational diabetes are 7 times more likely to get type 2 diabetes in later life.

The following factors also increase your risk of type 2 diabetes:

• Having a close relative with diabetes

• Being African-American, American Indian, Asian-American, Hispanic, or a Pacific Islander

• Being overweight

• Having a history of gestational diabetes before

• Having high blood sugar

Thankfully, you can take steps before pregnancy to reduce your risk of this condition. Try the following:

• Keep a healthy weight. If you’re overweight, take action to lose weight. Losing even a few pounds can help.

• Eat a nutritious diet. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

• Get regular exercise.

If you already have gestational diabetes, follow your healthcare provider’s orders on diet, weight gain, and fitness. This can help you – and your baby – stay healthy.