State of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes if their blood sugar levels (glucose) are too high. The condition affects the mother’s ability to use the hormone insulin; without enough insulin, blood sugar levels will continue to rise and your baby may be too large, making delivery dangerous for both of you. Gestational diabetes can put your baby at risk for diabetes, birth defects, and obesity in the future. more
The following factors put you at risk of developing gestational diabetes while you are pregnant, and also increase your risk of getting pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes after you’ve had gestational diabetes.
If you already have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, work closely with your health care provider to get your blood glucose level in the normal range before you get pregnant. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes you should: