Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops for the first time during pregnancy, caused by pregnancy-related hormonal changes that make it harder for the body to use insulin effectively.

Screening and Diagnosis

Most pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks using an oral glucose tolerance test, though those with higher risk factors may be tested earlier. Risk factors include excess weight, a family history of diabetes, older maternal age, and a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.

Why It Matters

Untreated gestational diabetes raises the risk of having a larger-than-average baby, complications during delivery, and low blood sugar in the newborn shortly after birth. It also raises the future risk of type 2 diabetes for both mother and child.

Management

Gestational diabetes is usually managed with dietary changes and regular blood sugar monitoring, with insulin generally preferred as the first-choice medication if these aren't enough to keep blood sugar in the target range. Oral medications are sometimes used as an alternative, but this decision should be made together with your obstetric care team based on your individual circumstances. It typically resolves after delivery, and postpartum glucose testing is recommended afterward to check whether blood sugar has returned to normal and to monitor the increased future risk of type 2 diabetes.