Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on diabetes and psoriasis

My mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago and controls it well. I am hoping to start a family soon and wonder if this increases my risk of gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes or a raised blood sugar in pregnancy (impaired glucose tolerance) is a condition that develops during pregnancy when the body is not able to make enough insulin. It usually develops during the third trimester (after 28 weeks).

The lack of insulin causes the blood sugar level to become higher than normal. This usually resolves shortly after delivery but some will remain diabetic. It is estimated that gestational diabetes occurs in two- to five-per cent of all pregnancies. Symptoms include: