Gestational Diabetes is the term used to denote diabetes in pregnant women whose blood sugar was normal prior to pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes wonder if they will remain diabetic forever and will need to take insulin on a life-long basis. Read to know how long does gestational diabetes lasts and if it increases your risk of developing diabetes later on.
Blood Sugar after Delivery
The blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery in most women with gestational diabetes as the hormonal changes that caused insulin resistance in pregnancy are gone and your insulin can work normally without resistance. In some women the blood sugar levels can remain high even after delivery. Your doctor will recommend regular monitoring of the blood sugar levels and will titrate your medications as required. Follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding diet, exercise and medications. You may be advised to come for an oral glucose tolerance test 6-8 weeks after birth of your baby to check for diabetes. In most women the blood sugar levels return to normal but rarely some obese women can remain diabetic even after pregnancy.
Risk of Developing Diabetes
The risk of developing diabetes is increased in women who develop gestational diabetes. According to some studies about 40 percent of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later on. So, if you have had gestational diabetes, try to follow a healthy lifestyle, maintain healthy body weight and get screened for type 2 diabetes every year.
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