Did you know that women develop a special kind of diabetes during pregnancy? It is called “gestational diabetes.” During pregnancy, your hormones make it harder for your system to use the simple sugars that your body uses so much of. You develop gestational diabetes when it is even more difficult than in normal pregnancy.
All women are tested for gestational diabetes during something called a glucose tolerance test, or a GTT. You typically drink a very sugary orange drink, and then have your blood drawn and tested one hour later. If your blood sugar is high after the hour, your doctor will do further testing to confirm how your body is processing glucose.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will receive instructions on managing it that likely include diet modification, blood sugar testing, and medication. For most women, gestational diabetes is no longer a problem after they deliver.