Expecting a little one? One health condition your doctor will check you for during pregnancy is gestational diabetes, a condition where your blood sugar is elevated.

But does a diagnosis mean you’ll have diabetes after pregnancy? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Worcester offers some insight.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Sometime between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, a glucose screening for gestational diabetes is conducted. If a woman’s blood sugar levels are high, she is diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 2 to 10% of pregnant women in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes.

Signs of Gestational Diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Frequent bladder and/or skin infections
• Sugar in urine
• Unusual thirst
• Nausea
• Blurred vision

Does Having Gestational Diabetes Mean a Diabetes Diagnosis Is Next?

Not necessarily. Gestational diabetes tends to go away after the baby is born. But it can increase a woman’s risk of experiencing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Therefore, it is best to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and be on the lookout for early symptoms of diabetes so that you can seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Warning Signs of Diabetes

• Slow-healing wounds
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Weight loss or gain
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Irritability

Do you think you might be experiencing the signs of diabetes? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Worcester today for a medical evaluation.