Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is another common type of diabetes. It is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.

Extra demands on the pancreas cause some women to develop diabetes during pregnancy. Often, it goes away after delivery. But, later in life, diabetes may return.

Gestational diabetes affects 2% to 4% of all pregnancies, with an increased risk of developing diabetes for both the mother and the child.

The risk of type 2 diabetes returning is greater if the mother has given birth to a baby that weighed over 4 kg (9 lbs) at birth. Treatment will involve following a healthy diet, physical activity, and in some cases, insulin therapy.

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