What is it called when a pregnant woman has an elevated blood sugar level?

When a pregnant woman has an elevated blood sugar level, it is called gestational diabetes according to WebMD. Gestational diabetes must be treated to ensure the health of the mother and the baby.

When a pregnant woman experiences high blood sugar levels, it is because her pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. When this occurs, the risk of problems increases. If not treated properly, the fetus can suffer birth defects or other medical problems. It can also cause a miscarriage. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat gestational diabetes and when treated properly, the pregnancy can continue to be healthy and normal.