Diabetes and pregnancy

A diabetes of the mother is one of the most common complications during pregnancy. The disease often goes undetected because it causes no symptoms. Every year, about 18,000 pregnant women in Germany are discovered to have this condition. Basically, it is estimated that about 5% of pregnancies are affected.

Pregnancy diabetes (gestational diabetes)

The simple test for detection is not part of routine care among pregnant women. The costs are not covered by the health insurance. Typical diabetes symptoms such as frequent urination and thirst occur during pregnancy. Some pregnant women usually do not realize that they are diabetic and do not get the idea to do a glucose test. A pregnancy diabetes (gestational diabetes) is a special form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy for the first time and is normalized, in most cases, after the end of pregnancy. This sugar tolerance disorder affect primarily the child. The risk of pregnancy complications increases significantly. Premature births and stillbirths can occur.

Risks for the child

Gestational diabetes can cause  two main problems: first, the increased growth in size during pregnancy, second, the disturbed well-being of the child after birth. The unborn child responds to the high blood sugar levels of the parent with extreme nutrient intake. This leads to excessive growth of the child in the womb (called macrosomia). In addition, there may be disturbances in the maturity of the placenta or to the organs of the unborn child especially the lungs. These and other factors can cause complications during pregnancy and during and after the birth of the child.


During childbirth, big infants are at risk for  nerve paralysis in the shoulder-arm system (plexus palsy). After delivery, the infant is often compromised for hypoglycemia. During childhood, this can lead to metabolic disturbances or changes in salt balance. Important: pregnancy diabetes or gestational diabetes can  remain undetected and untreated. The risk of children for diabetes and obesity is increased.


Risks to mother

The mothers can have complications during and after pregnanc as expected, for example, increased blood pressure or increased risk for urinary tract infections. Due to the difficult birth of a big child, the risk for pelvic floor damage is increased. Another problem: Some 40 to 60 percent of affected women develop diabetes type 2 within ten to fifteen years after the birth even if the gestational diabetes disappeared immediately after the birth.

Screening test for pregnant women

It is therefore crucial to diagnose gestational diabetes in time. This is to ensure that the risks of serious consequences for both mother and child are minimized. Diet and injection of insulin are both needed. Studies have shown that in well-controlled blood sugar, there will be fewer complications at birth. Experts recommend that all pregnant women between 24th and 28th pregnancy week must undergo a screening test for the presence of gestational diabetes.

The so-called oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) can be performed on an empty stomach. By the way, in order to prevent a pregnancy diabetes, the determination of urine sugar is not often effective. If a pregnancy is diagnosed with diabetes, blood glucose is checked after the pregnancy and after 2 months time. Even if these values are normal, the woman should, at regular intervals, measure her glucose level regularly.

Risk groups for gestational diabetes

There are risk groups that are frequently affected by gestational diabetes. Who is at risk?

Obese pregnant women, especially if they do not move much and if they smoke

Pregnant women over 30 years old

Pregnant women with diabetes in the family

Pregnant women who have already suffered several miscarriages

Sibling with a birth weight above 4,000 grams
If you are pregnant has at least one of these risk factors, you have to talk to your doctor.