Main content Gestational Diabetes

    Gestational Diabetes



    Cause

    During pregnancy, an organ called the Reference placenta Opens New Window develops in the Reference uterus Opens New Window. The placenta connects the mother and baby and makes sure the baby has enough food and water. It also makes several hormones. Some of these hormones make it hard for Reference insulin Opens New Window to do its job—controlling blood sugar—so the mother's body has to make more insulin to keep sugar levels in a safe range. Gestational diabetes develops when the organ that makes insulin, the Reference pancreas Opens New Window Reference Click here to see an illustration. Opens New Window, cannot make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a target range.




    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference November 3, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
    Reference Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator


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