What are the risk factors for gestational diabetes, and what are the chances I'll get it?
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How did I get gestational diabetes?
Unfortunately, there’s no exact answer to this because so much affects blood sugar – genes, stress, diet, sleep, hormones, etc. So don't beat yourself up over what you did or didn't do to get it.
But you should know that there are are certain risk factors that increase your chances of developing gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors
No matter who you are, how healthy you are, or how many pregnancies you've had, every pregnant woman can potentially develop gestational diabetes - even if you didn't have it in previous pregnancies and have no risk factors.
In fact, this study found that 44% of women with gestational diabetes surveyed didn't have any risk factors.
You’re at higher risk for developing gestational diabetes if you:
- had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
- had a baby 8lbs 13oz or larger at birth – macrosomia.
- have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
- are overweight.
- are at least 25 years old.
- are any non-White ethnicity.
What are the chances of developing gestational diabetes?
Unfortunately this can't be an exact calculation because so many factors are at play. It really goes by a case-by-case basis and considers things like your risk factors, stress level, genes, etc.
All in all, it's estimated that up to 10% of pregnancies in the United States develop gestational diabetes, and up to 18% worldwide.
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Learn about gestational diabetes symptoms
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