Question: If a mum is pregnant, but she has gestational diabetes, is there a chance that the baby could get the diabetes from her? And if yes what type of diabetes would it be?
Keywords: diabetes, gestational, pregnant
By BRIDGE8 under license from Mangorolla CIC 2024
Gestational diabetes is not something you can catch, therefor it does not pass through the umbilical cord and the placenta to the baby. However, gestational diabetes is a very strong indicator that the mother may be at high risk of developing type II diabetes (the non insulin injections one) later in life, especially if she is not careful of her diet and exercise routine. Type II diabetes,much like type I or juvenille diabetes does run in families, so If a mother has gestational diabetes, it is also a good indicator that her child may have a higher risk of developing type II diabetes later in life if they have a poor diet etc.
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The prevalence of gestational diabetes is quite low in women and even women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be easily treated. Only in women with unmanaged gestational diabetes, there is an increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. The baby would be more prone to developing childhood obesity -if not treated- leading to type 2 diabetes later in life. However, most patients are able to manage their blood glucose levels with a modified diet and the introduction of moderate exercise but sometimes they may require antidiabetic drugs, including insulin.
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