IndexCauseRisk FactorsWorks CitedGestational diabetes (also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. The condition usually goes away after pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when blood glucose levels appear higher than normal during pregnancy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayCauseDuring pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones to help the baby develop. These hormones can block the action of maternal insulin, causing insulin resistance. As a result, the mother's insulin requirement is 2 – 3 times greater than normal1. Women who experience insulin resistance before becoming pregnant may not be able to cope with an increased demand for insulin production. As a result, glucose (sugar) levels in the blood increase and gestational diabetes will be diagnosed. Diabetes should disappear once the pregnancy ends. However, insulin resistance increases the risk of later developing type 2.1 diabetes. Risk factors There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include being over 25 years old, having a family history of type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, being overweight, having previous gestational diabetes or having given birth to a large baby, or having previous polycystic ovary syndrome1. Additionally, certain ethnicities are at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes, including people of Vietnamese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Polynesian, Melanesian, or Asian Indian descent. 1,2. Initially, gestational diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes: healthy eating and physical activity. activity. However, some women will need additional insulin to manage gestational diabetes. This insulin can be administered via insulin injections or an insulin pump. Women who require insulin may choose to use an insulin pump. A MiniMed® insulin pump may be right for you if you experience any of the following symptoms: Three or more insulin injections per day Difficulty managing high and low blood sugar levels Fear of hypoglycemia (low), especially at night HbA1c out of range target Difficulty following prescribed insulin regimen for diabetes management Fear of needles Looking for more flexibility in diabetes management If you have tried to manage gestational diabetes using insulin injections, but have experienced repeated episodes of hypoglycemia, insulin pump therapy may be particularly helpful for you 3. The Benefits of Pump Therapy for Gestational Diabetes Research indicates that the main benefits of using pump therapy include: Keep in mind: This is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get custom essaydecreased insulin variability4decreased risk of hypoglycemia4better control of the dawn phenomenon4Using CGM with an insulin pump during pregnancy may improve glycemic control4Research indicates that pump therapy is a safe and effective treatment for improving glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes5Works CitedAmerican Diabetes Association. (2021). Gestational diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/gestational-diabetesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Gestational diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.htmlMedtronic Diabetes. (n.d.). Insulin pump therapy.,11892-019-1134-5