Gestational Diabetes Causes & Risks

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. But these factors may contribute to the condition:

Hormones needed for the baby's growth interfere with insulin
Excess weight increases insulin resistance
Insulin resistance prevents the body from effectively using insulin

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing this condition:

Obesity or being overweight
Family members with diabetes
Age: 25 or older
Race: Hispanic, African-American, Native-American, Asian-American, Indigenous Australian, or a Pacific Islanders
Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Previous delivery of a large baby
Previous stillbirth or too much fluid surrounding a baby during pregnancy
Glucose in urine

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.