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What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This causes your blood sugar levels to become higher than normal and can affect pregnant women who have never been diagnosed with diabetes before. Gestational diabetes will go away after you have given birth but may raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
“I highly recommend Dr. Tepper!He is highly professional, experienced, and calming. My pregnancy and birth were such a positive experience thanks to him and his lovely staff at the clinic.”
SEE MOREFor many women, gestational diabetes does not cause any apparent signs or symptoms, which is why it is important that you visit your doctor early to check for your risk of developing this condition. There are some people who may have a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes, including those who:
- Are overweight.
- Have had gestational diabetes or prediabetes previously.
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Have an immediate family member who is diabetic.
- Have previously delivered a baby weighing more than 9 lbs.
MEET DR. ALEX TEPPER
Welcome to my practice. Let me introduce myself and my practice philosophy. I am a board certified OB/GYN in practice for over 20 years and have been a solo-practitioner on the Upper East Side of Manhattan since 2000. All deliveries are performed at The Mount Sinai Medical Center where I went to medical school and at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis and Management
Patients who are at average risk of developing gestational diabetes will undergo a screening test during their second trimester. If you are at high risk of diabetes, you may be tested for gestational diabetes earlier in your pregnancy.
Overall, there are two different classes of gestational diabetes, including class A1 and class A2. Individuals with class A1 can often manage their condition through diet and exercise alone, while those with class A2 will need the assistance of insulin or other medications to control their symptoms. Regardless, you will need to adopt certain lifestyle changes including staying active, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and monitoring your blood sugar regularly to properly manage your symptoms. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, Dr. Tepper will explain which class you have, as well as your treatment options.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Whether you are a new or returning patient, Dr. Tepper can assess your concerns and discuss your options to find the most comfortable and convenient care for you. To get started, call our office to set up an appointment.
CALL FOR APPOINTMENTComplications Associated with Gestational Diabetes
If gestational diabetes is not monitored and managed, it can lead to high blood sugar levels which can cause complications for both you and your baby. Problems that may affect your baby include an excessive birth weight (weighing more than 9 lbs.), preterm birth, low blood sugar, breathing difficulties, type 2 diabetes later in life, or stillbirth. Gestational diabetes can also cause you to develop high blood pressure, future diabetes, or raise your odds of needing a C-section.
At our office, Dr. Tepper will work with you to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to control your gestational diabetes and prevent any dangerous complications. Close monitoring paired with your adoption of healthy habits can help to ensure that you and your baby are happy and healthy. We will also check your blood sugar following delivery and again 6-12 weeks later to ensure that your blood sugar levels have returned to normal.
Contact Us to Learn More
For more information regarding gestational diabetes diagnosis and management, contact our office today! We will be happy to schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Tepper for a professional assessment.
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