Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy in women who don't already have diabetes. While the diagnosis can be worrying, it's important to know that it is a manageable condition. This risk calculator is an educational tool designed to help you identify common risk factors based on your health history. Understanding your personal risk is a powerful first step in having proactive conversations with your doctor about screening and a healthy pregnancy.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta can make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively. This is called insulin resistance. For most, the body simply produces more insulin to compensate. But for some, the body can't keep up, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which is known as gestational diabetes. The good news is that for the vast majority of women, blood sugar levels return to normal shortly after the baby is born.
How to Use the Risk Calculator
To assess your risk, the tool will ask you a series of questions based on factors known to be associated with GDM. These may include:
- Your age (risk increases over age 25)
- Your pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Your race or ethnicity
- A personal history of GDM in a previous pregnancy
- A family history of Type 2 diabetes
- A history of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Based on your answers, the tool will categorize your risk level, helping you understand your personal profile.
Understanding the GDM Screening Process
Regardless of your risk level, all pregnant women are typically screened for GDM. The standard screening process involves:
- The 1-Hour Glucose Challenge Test (GCT): Usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. You will drink a sweet liquid (Glucola), and your blood will be drawn one hour later to see how your body processed the sugar.
- The 3-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): If your results from the 1-hour test are high, your doctor will order this follow-up test to make a diagnosis. This involves fasting overnight and having your blood drawn four times over three hours.
Important Medical Notes
This risk calculator is an educational guide and **is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.** Many women with risk factors do not develop GDM, and some with no risk factors do. The only way to diagnose gestational diabetes is with the official glucose screening test ordered by your healthcare provider. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding testing and management.