What Is Gestational Diabetes? Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes Gestational Diabetes Causes Gestational Diabetes Risk Factors Gestational Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis Gestational Diabetes Treatment Target Blood Glucose Levels for Pregnancy Diet and Exercise for Gestational Diabetes Gestational Diabetes Prevention Will Gestational Diabetes Affect Your Baby?
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when blood sugar levels become too high. Unlike type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it only occurs in women who have never had diabetes before. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects up to 10% of pregnancies in the United States each year.
Gestational diabetes is classified into two types:
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Class A1: Managed with diet and exercise.
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Class A2: Requires insulin or other medications.
Although it usually goes away after childbirth, it can impact both mother and baby’s health and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
Many women with gestational diabetes don’t notice symptoms because they are often similar to normal pregnancy changes. Diagnosis usually happens during routine prenatal screening.
However, some possible signs include:
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Increased thirst
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Feeling hungrier than usual
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Frequent urination
Causes of Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin—the hormone that regulates blood sugar. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that can interfere with insulin use. If the pancreas cannot keep up with the demand, blood sugar levels rise, leading to diabetes.
Learn more about how insulin works from the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes
Some women are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. Common risk factors include:
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Age over 25
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Overweight or obesity before pregnancy
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Family history of diabetes
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High blood pressure or high cholesterol
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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Previous miscarriage or stillbirth
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Having had gestational diabetes before
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History of giving birth to a large baby (over 9 pounds)
Tests and Diagnosis
Gestational diabetes usually develops between 20–28 weeks of pregnancy. Screening typically happens between weeks 24 and 28.
Common diagnostic tests include:
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Glucose tolerance test (GTT): Drinking a glucose-rich solution and testing blood sugar afterward.
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Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): A more detailed test with multiple blood sugar checks after consuming glucose.
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Fasting blood glucose test: Measures sugar levels after overnight fasting.
If your first test is normal but you are high-risk, your doctor may test again later in pregnancy.
Treatment for Gestational Diabetes
Proper management is key to keeping mother and baby healthy. Treatment often includes:
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Healthy eating plan designed by a dietitian
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Regular exercise (walking, swimming, yoga)
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Frequent blood sugar monitoring (4+ times daily)
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Insulin or oral medication if lifestyle changes aren’t enough
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Weight and baby growth monitoring
Target blood glucose levels during pregnancy (per ADA guidelines):
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Before meals: ≤ 95 mg/dL
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1 hour after meals: ≤ 140 mg/dL
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2 hours after meals: ≤ 120 mg/dL
Diet and Exercise for Gestational Diabetes
Following a balanced diet is essential:
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Eat 3 small meals + 2 snacks daily.
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Replace refined sugars with natural alternatives like fruits, carrots, and whole grains.
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Get 35–40% of calories from carbs, 25% protein, and 25–40% healthy fats.
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Include 20–35 grams of fiber daily (brown rice, oats, whole-grain bread, beans, and vegetables).
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Limit saturated fats to less than 10% of calories.
Safe Pregnancy Exercises
If approved by your doctor, moderate activity can help manage blood sugar:
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Walking
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Swimming
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Stationary biking
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Prenatal yoga
Aim for 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Always keep a quick sugar source (like glucose tablets) in case blood sugar drops.
Can Gestational Diabetes Be Prevented?
Although not all cases are preventable, lowering your risk before pregnancy is possible by:
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Staying physically active
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Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods
Will Gestational Diabetes Affect Your Baby?
Most babies are healthy if gestational diabetes is well-managed. However, complications may include:
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High birth weight (macrosomia)
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Premature birth
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Low blood sugar in newborns
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Jaundice (yellowish skin)
Babies may also face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity helps reduce that risk.
Life After Gestational Diabetes
Blood sugar levels usually return to normal 6 weeks after delivery, but women remain at higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Doctors recommend:
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Follow-up blood sugar tests every 1–3 years
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Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise
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Keeping weight in a healthy range
If planning another pregnancy, discuss with your doctor how to reduce recurrence risk.
Final Thoughts
Gestational diabetes is a common but manageable condition. With early diagnosis, a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical care, most women deliver healthy babies and stay healthy themselves.
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