Diabetes occurs when a woman's body doesn't make enough insulin. This is the hormone that helps the body process sugar into energy.

Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually begins between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The diagnosis can only be made in women with no evidence for diabetes prior to pregnancy. About 1 or 2 out of every 100 pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

• Significant weight gain prior to pregnancy
• Family history of diabetes
• Gestational diabetes in the past
• High blood pressure
• Mother's age over 25 years
• Mothers who were over 9 pounds at birth
• Obesity
• Previous delivery of one or more large babies

Gestational diabetes can be controlled with a balanced diet and careful weight control during pregnancy. Exercise can help to control blood sugar levels. If diet and weight control does not control the condition, insulin injections may be necessary. Gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born.