How Gestational Diabetes Impacts Mom and Baby

GDM normally disappears at the end of pregnancy; however, both the mother and the newborn become predisposed to the development of chronic-degenerative diseases throughout their lives.

How Gestational Diabetes Impacts Mom and Baby
Exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent and manage gestational diabetes.

Okay, expectant parents, hold on to your cravings! We're about to take a look into the surprising world of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Sure, the name sounds complicated, but it's essentially when your body temporarily throws a hissy fit over sugar during pregnancy. Normally, it goes away afterward, but occasionally, it sets off a chain reaction that can spell trouble for both you and your little bundle of joy.

GDM isn't some rare thing – it happens to an increasing number of expectant mothers. Now, get this: the reason why GDM happens is a wild interplay between your genes (thanks, ancestors!), your daily choices (looking at you, sneaky bag of cookies), and even something scientists call “epigenetics.” These tiny changes might look like the cellular equivalent of switching lights on and off, but they can make a huge difference in your health.