Who Should be Tested for Gestational Diabetes?
A number of expert groups now recommend that nearly all pregnant women be tested for gestational diabetes between their 24th and 28th week. Pregnant women at high risk for diabetes should be tested earlier. The only women who do not need to be tested are those at very low risk. Generally they have the following characteristics: • Under 25 years old. • Normal weight. • No first-degree relatives with diabetes. • Not belonging to the following ethnic groups: Native American, Hispanic, Asian or African-American. How Serious Is Diabetes in the Pregnant Patient? Because glucose crosses the placenta, a woman with diabetes can pass high levels of blood glucose to the fetus. In response, the fetus secretes high level of insulin. Studies indicate that such conditions may effect the developing fetus as soon as it is conceived, placing the unborn child at risk for the following: • Birth defects. • Excessive growth of the fetus. • Delayed lung development. • Possibly a higher risk for future diabet
