Diabetes in Pregnancy

5-10% of pregnant women will develop “gestational diabetes,” meaning they did not already have diabetes. Whether pre-existing or gestational, diabetes in pregnancy requires careful management for the health of mother and child. Ashley Battarbee, MD, whose research expertise is diabetes in pregnancy, joins Dr. Huh to discuss the major concerns and methods for controlling the disease. Diet and lifestyle interventions, insulin shots, and oral medications, along with continuous glucose monitoring, may lower the risk of complications—C-section and birth trauma for the mother, and jaundice and low blood sugar for the child. Find out which pregnant women might need to be referred to a diabetes-in-pregnancy clinic.