What Is Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the body's cells less responsive to insulin. If the body cannot compensate sufficiently, blood glucose levels can rise and gestational diabetes may develop.
Gestational diabetes is often identified during routine pregnancy screening, even when a person feels well.
It is different from diabetes that was present before pregnancy. Your healthcare professional can help interpret test results and determine the appropriate care pathway.
What Are the Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes often causes no noticeable symptoms. This is one reason routine screening during pregnancy is important.
Some people may experience increased thirst or more frequent urination, but these symptoms can also occur during a normal pregnancy and cannot confirm diabetes on their own.
Follow the screening and testing recommendations provided by your pregnancy care team.
How Is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using blood glucose testing during pregnancy. The timing and type of test may vary according to clinical guidelines, individual risk factors, and the advice of your healthcare professional.
Testing may include an oral glucose tolerance test or other blood glucose tests appropriate to the clinical situation.
If you have been advised to undergo screening, discuss the test preparation and results with your pregnancy care team. Do not interpret results without considering the applicable diagnostic criteria.
Why Does Gestational Diabetes Need Attention?
If blood glucose remains elevated during pregnancy, it may increase the risk of certain complications for the pregnant person and baby.
Potential concerns can include:
- Higher birth weight
- Birth complications
- Low blood glucose in the baby after birth
- Increased likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life for the parent
These risks vary between individuals. Appropriate monitoring and management can help the healthcare team respond to your needs.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
The management plan depends on blood glucose readings, the stage of pregnancy, other health factors, and the recommendations of your clinical team.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Your healthcare professional may recommend checking blood glucose at specific times during the day. The target levels and monitoring schedule should be individualised.
Nutrition Guidance
A balanced eating plan can help support blood glucose management while meeting nutritional needs during pregnancy. Advice should account for your dietary preferences, pregnancy requirements, and individual circumstances.
Avoid restrictive diets or skipping meals during pregnancy unless specifically directed by your healthcare team.
Physical Activity
Suitable physical activity may help support blood glucose management during pregnancy. The type and amount of activity should be discussed with your pregnancy care team, especially if you have any pregnancy-related restrictions.
Medication When Needed
Some people may need medication, including insulin, if blood glucose levels remain above their recommended targets. Treatment decisions should be made by the appropriate healthcare professional.
Do not start, stop, or change medication without medical guidance.
Coordinated Pregnancy Care
Gestational diabetes care may involve coordination between your diabetes clinician, obstetrician, and other members of your healthcare team. Follow the monitoring and appointment schedule recommended for your pregnancy.
What Happens After Delivery?
Blood glucose levels often improve after childbirth, but follow-up testing is important to check whether diabetes has resolved.
Your healthcare professional may recommend a postpartum glucose test and ongoing screening for Type 2 diabetes. Follow the timing and testing method advised by your clinical team.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Contact your pregnancy care team if you have questions about gestational diabetes screening, blood glucose readings, or your management plan.