The causes of gestational diabetes is still unknown among researchers and they do not know why some women go on to develop gestational diabetes while others do not.

Although the process of how it works, is known:

During pregnancy, insulin is processed differently.  The placenta that supports your growing baby produces high levels of many different hormones.  Many of these hormones interfere with the action of insulin in your tissues, in turn raising your blood sugar.  Modest elevation is seen shortly after eating a meal, but prolonged high blood sugar is harmful for both you and your baby.

As your baby grows, the placenta will produce more of these hormones which can lead to progressive impaired glucose intolerance (higher blood sugar levels).  To minimize sugar levels in blood, your body will make more insulin to get glucose into your body’s cells.  Usually the mother’s pancreas is able to produce enough insulin to overcome the effect during pregnancy but if it cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the hormones from the placenta from provoking a rise in blood sugar, it can develop into gestational diabetes and the growth of your baby.  Gestational diabetes usually develops during the last half of the pregnancy.

See also:  Testing and Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes

More Information About Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Diet – Gestational Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels
Gum Disease Increases Risk of Gestational Diabetes – Causes of Gestational Diabetes