Gestational Diabetes

Gynecology & Obstetrics in Manhattan, KS

Gestational Diabetes services offered in Manhattan, KS

Diabetes is a common but serious condition that can lead to vision loss, limb amputation, and kidney failure if not properly managed. The Women's Health Group, P.A. in Manhattan, Kansas, can help in management of gestational diabetes to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. The Diabetes Education at both Ascension Via Christi Hospital and HCA in Overland Park, Kansas. Appointments can be conveniently scheduled in-office to manage gestational diabetes. Please ask your nurse for more information. The team of experts offers on-site testing services and customized treatment plans to reduce your risk for diabetes-related complications. With two offices in East and West Manhattan, call the office nearest you to schedule a diabetes consultation today or book an appointment online.

Gestational Diabetes Q&A

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a complication of pregnancy that can cause too much weight gain in the fetus. It results from a lack of insulin (a hormone your pancreas makes to convert sugar from your diet into energy you need to function). Without enough insulin, your blood sugar levels rise too high, which can lead to severe health problems.

During pregnancy, your endocrine system releases higher levels of hormones that may alter insulin production. Usually, your body can make more insulin to compensate, but some women can’t make enough. Consequently, their blood sugar rises, causing gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes causes the fetus to have more sugar than it needs. The resulting fetal growth leads to large babies and potential complications, such as:

Heavy post-delivery bleeding
Severe vaginal or perineal tears
Need for a cesarean section
Fetal damage during vaginal delivery
Increased risk of stillbirth

Babies may have breathing problems and/or jaundice following delivery due to a sudden drop in blood sugar. They might require time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Gestational diabetes differs from other forms of diabetes because it affects women with no previous history of the disease and typically goes away after the baby's birth.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is one of several forms of this disease, the others being:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack cells in the pancreas, so you can’t produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body can’t make enough insulin or doesn’t properly use the insulin it makes. Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future rises if you have gestational diabetes. The Women's Health Group, P.A. team tests for gestational diabetes throughout pregnancy.

How is gestational diabetes treated?

The Women's Health Group, P.A. team offers women with diabetes more frequent prenatal appointments, enabling close monitoring of your baby’s health and yours. Your provider shows you how to check your blood sugar daily and advises how to control it.

A healthy diet with regular exercise is all some women need to manage their blood sugar successfully, but others require medications. Your OB/GYN can show you how to inject insulin if necessary. This is the safest approach, as insulin doesn’t pass through the placenta, so it won’t affect your baby.

To schedule a diabetes consultation, call The Women's Health Group, P.A. today or book a consultation online.