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When pregnant women display a higher than normal blood sugar level, it is called gestational diabetes. The cause of this form of diabetes is unknown though it is thought to be linked to stress. A majority of women may not display the symptoms of this illness and hence do not know about it. This is the reason women are tested at 24 weeks into the pregnancy.

It is believed that the placenta which supports the fetus’ life causes gestational diabetes. The hormones produced by it alter the insulin effectiveness of the mother. Due to this there are high glucose levels in the mothers body. The symptoms of gestational diabetes are similar to that of general diabetes and include high frequency of urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and mood swings. If you have these symptoms test your self for gestational diabetes.

Since this form of diabetes does not show symptom in most women you need to screen them for this condition at about 24 to 28 weeks into the pregnancy. The oral glucose tolerance test is given. Here a woman drinks 50g of concentrated glucose in a drink. She is tested before she drinks as well as an hour later. A glucose level of more that 130-140 mg/dl is indicative of further testing.

In the 3 hour 100g oral glucose tolerance test the levels or glucose must be within the following. Fasting - 95mg/dl, 1 hour - 180 mg/dl, 2 hours -155 mg/dl and 3 hours - 140 mg/dl. If the test shows gestational diabetes the pregnant women needs to start a diet and exercise plan immediately.