Gestational Diabetes
Sources consulted
This article is original patient-education content.
- WHO—Health topics A–Z(2024)
- NHS—Health A to Z(2024)
- CDC—Health topics(2024)
Based on international clinical guidelines
Overview
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops for the first time during pregnancy. It means your blood sugar (glucose) is higher than normal, but it usually goes away after the baby is born. Diabetes means your body cannot use sugar properly.
Key facts
- Gestational diabetes usually starts in the second or third trimester.
- It affects about 1 in 20 pregnant people in the UK.
- With proper care, most people with gestational diabetes have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
- Having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Yes, it is fairly common. About 1 in 20 pregnant women in the UK develop gestational diabetes. The number is higher for some groups, for example people of South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern background.
Gestational diabetes can affect anyone who is pregnant, but it is more common in women over 35, those who are overweight, or those with a family history of diabetes.
Symptoms
- If you have very high blood sugar and feel confused, drowsy, or have trouble breathing.
- If you have severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- If you notice your baby moving less than usual.
- ⚠If your blood sugar readings are consistently higher than your doctor recommended.
- ⚠If you develop symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mouth, or frequent urination that worry you.
- ⚠If you have signs of a urinary tract infection (pain when passing urine, fever).
Common symptoms
- Most people with gestational diabetes do not have any symptoms.
- Some may feel thirstier than usual.
- Some may need to urinate more often than normal.
Symptoms in children
- This condition affects the mother, not the baby directly. But high blood sugar can affect the baby's growth and health.
- Babies may be larger than average (called macrosomia).
- They may have low blood sugar shortly after birth.
Symptoms in older adults
- Gestational diabetes only occurs during pregnancy, not in older adults.
Causes
Main causes
- During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that can make it harder for your body to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar. When your body cannot keep up, your blood sugar rises and gestational diabetes develops.
Risk factors
- Being overweight before pregnancy (BMI over 30).
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- Being from a South Asian, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern background.
- Being over 35 years old.
- Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
- Having previously given birth to a large baby (over 4.5 kg or about 9.9 lbs).
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.
- If you notice a sudden decrease in your baby's movements.
Book a routine appointment if:
- All pregnant people in the UK are offered a test for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
- If you have risk factors, you may be offered testing earlier.
- Contact your midwife or GP if you have any concerns about your pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This measures how your body handles sugar.
Tests that may be done
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) — you drink a sugary drink and have blood taken before and after to check sugar levels.
- Sometimes a simple fasting blood test may be used first.
What to expect at your appointment
You will be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for at least 8 hours before the test. The test takes about 2 hours. Your midwife or doctor will explain the results and what they mean for you.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range. This usually includes changes to your diet and physical activity. If those are not enough, medication such as insulin injections may be recommended. Your care team will help you monitor your blood sugar regularly.
Self-care at home
- Check your blood sugar as often as your healthcare provider advises.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks.
- Stay physically active with gentle activities like walking or swimming, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Attend all your antenatal appointments.
Medical treatments
If diet and exercise do not keep your blood sugar in target range, your healthcare provider may recommend medication. This could include insulin injections or other medicines taken by mouth. Insulin is safe during pregnancy. Your team will decide the best approach for you and teach you how to use it.
Living with this condition
Managing gestational diabetes involves daily attention to your blood sugar, meals, and activity. Your healthcare team will give you a plan. You will likely check your blood sugar 4 to 6 times a day using a small finger-prick device. Most people get used to it quickly.
Lifestyle tips
- Follow a healthy eating plan recommended by your dietitian or diabetes nurse.
- Stay active with regular, moderate exercise like walking for 30 minutes most days.
- Get enough rest and sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Keep a record of your blood sugar readings and bring them to your appointments.
Diet and exercise
Eat at regular times and include carbohydrates with each meal, but choose ones that release sugar slowly (like wholemeal bread, oats, or lentils). Avoid sugary drinks and sweets. Exercise helps lower blood sugar. A 30-minute walk after meals can be especially helpful. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
It is normal to feel worried or stressed when you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. You may feel overwhelmed by the extra monitoring. Talk to your midwife, partner, or a friend. If you feel very anxious or down, tell your healthcare provider. Support is available.
Prevention
You cannot always prevent gestational diabetes, but you can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy, eating well, and staying active. If you have had gestational diabetes before, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk in a future pregnancy.
Screening programmes
All pregnant people in the UK are offered a screening test for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks. If you have risk factors, you may be offered testing earlier. Screening helps detect the condition so it can be managed.
Complications
If left untreated
- If blood sugar is not well controlled, the baby may grow larger than average (macrosomia), which can make delivery more difficult and increase the chance of a C-section.
- The baby may be born with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and need monitoring.
- There is a slightly higher risk of preterm birth and stillbirth, though this is rare with good control.
- The mother has a higher chance of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
- After pregnancy, the mother has a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Long-term outlook
With proper care and monitoring, the outlook for both mother and baby is very good. Most women with gestational diabetes have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. After birth, blood sugar usually returns to normal. It is important to have a follow-up test 6 to 8 weeks after delivery to make sure. You can also take steps to reduce your future risk of type 2 diabetes.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- Diabetes UK ↗ · UK
Helplines
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.