Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) occurs during pregnancy, when hormones made by an expectant mother’s placenta keeps her body from using the insulin as it should. This is called insulin resistance. Women who develop GDM are not able to make enough extra insulin to make up for the increased insulin resistance of pregnancy. Blood sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by cells in the body. Although GDM usually goes away after delivery, it is important for all women with GDM to get an oral glucose tolerance test between 6-12 weeks after giving birth. If a woman had GDM, she and her child become at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Richard Haas, MD is the Director of Gestational Diabetes at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence. He is an endocrinologist specializing in metabolism and diabetes, with an interest in diabetes in pregnancy, insulin pump management and lipid disorders. Dr. Haas works closely with two registered dietitians/nutritionists, Victoria Andersen and Susan Miller, in the management of women with GDM.  

GDM is one of the most common health problems for expectant mothers. Women who develop diabetes during pregnancy may require special medical care. Gestational diabetes care is provided in our adult diabetes clinic to develop a care plan to meet individual needs and lifestyles.