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A collaborative effort by Helmholtz Munich, the German Diabetes Center, and the German Center for Diabetes Research

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a metabolic disorder that manifests for the first time in pregnancy. It then often disappears after pregnancy.

Pregnancy changes the mother's metabolic hormone balance. This can affect blood glucose metabolism: the mother's blood glucose levels rise persistently above a specific level.

Undiagnosed gestational diabetes can lead to risks for mother and child. A blood glucose test can, however, detect the disease at an early stage so it can be treated.

The articles below summarize the most important information on gestational diabetes. Read, for instance, why the metabolic disorder develops and how the risks for mother and child can be reduced.