Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes

Also known as:

If your blood sugar level first becomes too high when you are pregnant, you have gestational diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born.

High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby. Your baby may grow too large, which can cause problems during delivery. Your baby may also be born with low blood sugar. But with treatment, most women with gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar and give birth to healthy babies.

Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely than other women to develop type 2 diabetes later on. You may be able to prevent type 2 diabetes or reduce its severity by staying at a healthy weight, eating healthy foods and increasing your physical activity.

Whether you have had diabetes for some time or are newly diagnosed, Providence Diabetes Education offers you and your family the knowledge and self-care skills necessary to live a healthy life. It’s our goal to help you live well and to keep you well informed.

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Choose a category above to find details about related Providence services.

Services offered by Providence

Diabetes education group classes

Group classes are available in the mornings, afternoons and evenings to fit your schedule. Topics covered include the basics of diabetes, meal plannin More »

Diabetes education individual appointments

In a one-on-one setting, we offer personalized meal plans, blood sugar monitoring and insulin training. We also offer diabetes education for pregnant More »

Diabetes support groups

Diabetes support groups offer patients the opportunity to: Learn more about managing your diabetes with certified diabetes educators Co More »

Obstetrics

Obstetricians (also called OBs) are medical doctors who specialize in the care of pregnant women, from the time of conception through delivery and t More »

Pregnancy and Parenting classes

Parenting with Providence: Are you expecting a new addition to your family? Our classes include: Childbirth Preparation Breastfeeding More »

Forms & Information

From the experts

Ask an Expert: Could frequent urination mean that I have diabetes?

Q: I am a 14-year-old, very thin girl. I eat mostly healthy foods, but I have a bowl of ice cream or a bag of chips every now and then. I have had frequent urination, even though I haven't had anything to drink in the last 24 hours. Am I at risk for getting diabetes? How can I find out if I have diabetes without going to the doctor?

Answer provided by Susanna Reiner, R.N., C.D.E., certified diabetes nurse educator, Providence Health & Services:

Expert Q&A: Cardiac surgery care for diabetics

Answers provided by Tony Furnary, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.

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