What Every Black Woman Needs To Know About Gestational Diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 10 percent of those who get pregnant will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Since they didn’t have diabetes before getting pregnant, it’s unlikely that they would be prepared for what comes with this illness. However, if you know what to look for, you won’t be unaware and can work with your doctor to ensure a healthy pregnancy.  Why Black Women Should Be Careful Studies regarding the disparities in diabetes screening for pregnant women showed some alarming information for Black Americans. Though Black people technically have the same risk of developing gestational diabetes as other ethnicities, the statistics show that they’re less likely to be screened at the same rate. This lack of screening still occurs even if the person has conditions like high blood pressure and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that make them more likely to have gestational diabetes.  To make matters worse, Black Americans who are screened might not get an immediate diagnosis of diabetes despite having abnormal readings. A late diagnosis can mean that there are significant health complications during and after the pregnancy. RELATED: Positive & Pregnant: How To Keep Yourself & Your Baby Healthy...