We have detected that you are located in . Do you want to switch to the local site?
Pregnancy is a time of significant hormonal and physical changes. For some women, these changes can affect how the body uses insulin, leading to gestational diabetes - a temporary but serious condition that requires careful monitoring and management.
Although most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, understanding what gestational diabetes is, why it happens, and how it can affect both mother and baby is an important part of prenatal care.
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet increased demands. As pregnancy progresses, hormone levels rise and the placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow. These same hormones can reduce the body’s ability to respond to insulin effectively. This is called insulin resistance1.
When the body can’t produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood glucose levels rise above the normal range. This is what leads to gestational diabetes mellitus1. The condition can be diagnosed at any stage of pregnancy, but most commonly occurs between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, which is why glucose tolerance tests are routinely offered during this time1,2.
Key points to remember:
The exact cause of gestational diabetes isn’t fully understood, but hormonal changes that affect how much insulin your body can produce during pregnancy play a central role. This hormonal shift can lead to higher blood glucose levels, particularly in women who already have some degree of insulin resistance or have been living with diabetes1.
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes:
While these factors raise the chances of developing gestational diabetes, many women who don’t fit into any of these categories can still be affected1. This is why universal glucose challenge tests are offered during pregnancy1,2.
Many women with gestational diabetes don’t experience any obvious diabetes symptoms. For this reason, routine blood tests are crucial3.
If symptoms do appear, they may include:
Glucose testing during pregnancy
If your blood glucose level exceeds the normal blood sugar range, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made2.
Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications if not well controlled. However, with early diagnosis, close monitoring, and proper management, many of these risks can be significantly reduced1.
The good news is that most women can manage gestational diabetes effectively and have a healthy pregnancy with the right combination of self-care, monitoring, and medical support4.
For many women, managing gestational diabetes begins with daily lifestyle adjustments, including:
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to control blood sugar:
Not all cases of gestational diabetes can be prevented, but maintaining healthy habits before and during pregnancy can reduce the likelihood of developing the condition5.
Helpful strategies include:
Although gestational diabetes is usually resolved after birth, its impact can last beyond pregnancy. Women who’ve experienced the condition have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, and their children may face a higher likelihood of obesity or blood sugar regulation problems later in life1,6.
Supporting your baby’s health
Gestational diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information, support, and care, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Most importantly, staying engaged in postpartum care and maintaining healthy habits such as dietary changes beyond pregnancy can protect you and your child from future health problems. With proper management, gestational diabetes is not just a medical condition - it can also be a powerful opportunity to adopt lasting lifestyle changes for the whole family.
Gestational diabetes is treated through a combination of diet, exercise, and sometimes medication or insulin. A balanced, diabetes-friendly diet with smaller, frequent meals helps control blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity also aids in managing blood sugar. Monitoring blood sugar at home is essential, and if lifestyle changes aren't enough, insulin or medication may be prescribed. Regular doctor visits ensure the health of both mother and baby.
While you can’t always prevent gestational diabetes, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy, eating a balanced diet with whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables, and staying physically active can help. If you're planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, it's important to monitor your health with regular check-ups and follow your doctor’s advice to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Yes, gestational diabetes typically goes away after childbirth. Once the baby is born, blood sugar levels usually return to normal. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. It’s important to have regular follow-up check-ups and monitor blood sugar levels after delivery to ensure they stay within a healthy range.
HQ25DI00258
