Understanding the Diagnosis and Your Next Steps
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and is usually detected between 24–28 weeks. It happens when your body cannot make enough insulin — the hormone that helps your body turn sugar (glucose) into energy — to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Why Does It Happen?
During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that help your baby grow. Some of these hormones — such as human placental lactogen, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, and placental growth hormone — also make your body’s cells more resistant to insulin.
This is a normal change that ensures your baby receives enough nutrients.
In most pregnancies, the pancreas compensates by producing extra insulin. But if your body can’t make enough, blood sugar levels rise, leading to gestational diabetes.
Who Is at Risk?
Gestational diabetes can occur in any pregnancy, but you may have a higher risk if you:
- Are over age 25
- Are overweight before pregnancy
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Had GDM in a previous pregnancy
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Are from certain ethnic backgrounds (including African American, Hispanic, Native American, South or East Asian, and Pacific Islander)
Why Blood Sugar Control Matters
For you:
- Increased risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy)
- Higher chance of needing a C-section
- Greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future
For your baby:
- Excess growth (macrosomia), which can make delivery more difficult
- Low blood sugar after birth
- Breathing problems
- Higher lifetime risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes
- In rare cases, stillbirth if blood sugars are poorly controlled
How We Monitor and Treat Gestational Diabetes
Most women can control their blood sugar with healthy eating and regular activity.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, we may recommend medication or insulin.
Your care plan may include:
- Home blood sugar checks using a glucose meter, test strips, and lancets
- Testing first thing in the morning (fasting) and after meals
- Blood sugar goals:
- Fasting: ≤ 95 mg/dL
- 1 hour after a meal: ≤ 140 mg/dL
- 2 hours after a meal: ≤ 120 mg/dL
- Nutrition counseling to balance carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats
- Light to moderate physical activity (such as walking after meals)
Nutrition Tips
- Eat three balanced meals and two to three snacks each day.
- Include a source of protein with each meal and snack.
- Choose whole grains, vegetables, and high-fiber foods over refined carbs and sweets.
- Avoid skipping meals, which can cause blood sugar swings.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Timing of Delivery
- If blood sugar is well-controlled with diet alone and there are no complications, delivery is often planned between 39–40 weeks.
- If medication or insulin is needed, or if there are other pregnancy complications, we may recommend delivery between 38–39 weeks.
- Earlier delivery may be advised if there are serious concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
After Your Baby is Born
- Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery.
- We will check your blood sugar 4–12 weeks postpartum to ensure it has returned to normal.
- You’ll need regular diabetes screening every 1–3 years.
- Healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your future risk of type 2 diabetes.
The good news: With proper care, most women with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. We’ll work with you every step of the way — from diagnosis through delivery — to keep you and your baby safe.
Download the Gestational Diabetes Guide (PDF). (Also available on Amazon KDP)
Scan the QR or click to open and print at home
