Symptoms of the disease

As with other types of diabetes, a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes does not suffer from anything in particular (it is then said that she is asymptomatic). In rare cases, she may have the following symptoms:

• a fatigue unusual for a pregnant woman;
• profuse urination;
• a thirst intense.
• weight loss or on the contrary very rapid weight gain.

People at risk

• Be of Hispanic (Latin American), Native American, African American or Southeast Asian origin.
• Be 30 years of age and over.
• Have a family history of diabetes.
• Have a personal history of glucose intolerance or “prediabetes”.
• Have had any of the following problems during a previous pregnancy : gestational diabetes, hypertension, repeated urinary tract infection, hydramnios (excess amniotic fluid).
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Have ever had a baby weighing more than 4 kg (9 lbs) at birth (macrosomia).
• Suffer from obesity or undergo restrictive diets.

Risk factors

• Being overweight and obese are important risk factors.
• Taking oral corticosteroid drugs for a long time.