Gestational Diabetes (GD): What You Need to Know
Gestational diabetes (GD) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when your body has a harder time managing blood glucose (sugar) levels. Normally insulin helps glucose move from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. But during pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta can make insulin less effective, leading to higher blood glucose levels.
GD is one of the most common medical conditions in pregnancy, affecting an increasing number of people worldwide — partly due to rising maternal age and higher rates of obesity.
(Source NICE)
Why It Happens and How It Affects Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that help your baby grow but can also interfere with how insulin works. This results in insulin resistance — meaning your body needs more insulin to keep glucose in a healthy range. If your pancreas can’t keep up, blood glucose levels rise and GD develops.
(Source NICE)
High blood glucose in pregnancy may lead to:
Larger baby (macrosomia), which can affect labour and birth
Increased rates of caesarean or assisted birth
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) in your baby after birth
Higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for you
Increased risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure conditions (pre-eclampsia)
(source World Health Organisation)
Who Is Recommended to Be Screened for GD
Routine screening for gestational diabetes is usually offered between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy.
Source NCBI)
You may be offered earlier screening if you have one or more risk factors, including:
Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30
Previous gestational diabetes
Previous baby weighing ≥ 4.5kg
A first-degree family history of diabetes
An ethnicity associated with higher diabetes rates (e.g. South Asian, Black, Middle Eastern)
(source NICE)
Different organisations vary on how and when testing happens — some recommend universal screening for all pregnant women, while others focus only on those with risk factors. Remember you have the right to accept or decline any screening test even if it is policy.
How GD is Diagnosed
The most widely used test for gestational diabetes is the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT):
You’ll have fasting blood drawn
Drink a glucose solution
Your blood glucose is tested again at 1 and 2 hours
Diagnosis is made if your glucose readings exceed established thresholds. These thresholds may vary by region or guideline, and some countries are updating them based on evidence to balance diagnosis accuracy with avoiding over-medicalisation.
Ways to Prevent or Manage Gestational Diabetes
There isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent GD, but research shows several lifestyle choices can help reduce risk and support healthy glucose balance during pregnancy:
1. Stay Active
Gentle exercise — like walking, swimming, yoga, or dancing — can improve how your body uses glucose. Staying active in pregnancy, with care from your healthcare provider, supports both physical health and mood.
2. Choose a Balanced Diet
Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps manage your blood sugar:
Plenty of vegetables, fibre, and lean proteins
Reduce foods high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates
Spread carbohydrates across meals to avoid spikes
Many people find working with a dietitian supportive — but you are the expert in your body, and choices should fit your preferences and culture.
3. Healthy Weight Gain
Pregnancy weight gain varies by individual, but keeping within recommended ranges can help your overall metabolic health. Your maternity care team can talk you through what’s healthy for you.
4. Mindful Support and Self-Care
Stress, sleep, and emotional support all matter — and doulas play a meaningful role in creating space for education, comfort and self-advocacy in pregnancy.
What If I’m Diagnosed With GD?
Many people manage gestational diabetes with diet and lifestyle alone. If glucose levels are high despite these changes, your care team may recommend:
Metformin (an oral medication that helps lower glucose)
Insulin therapy if needed for tighter glucose control
Your care is about you and your baby’s well-being, not “perfect numbers”. Good glucose control reduces risks like macrosomia and complications during labour and birth.
Postnatal Follow-up
After your baby is born, glucose levels usually return to normal. However, having had GD means:
You’re at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later in life
You should have a glucose test around 6–12 weeks after birth
Regular follow-ups every 1–3 years are often recommended
Being aware of your body’s signals and supporting your overall health can make you feel confident and empowered as you move forward.
Your Journey Matters
Whether you’re reading this because you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or training to support others, understanding gestational diabetes empowers you and your clients to make informed, compassionate choices.
If you’re interested in deepening your skills in parent-centred support, education, and holistic care, consider joining my doula training courses here — where we explore topics like gestational diabetes in depth, so you can support families with confidence and warmth.
💛 You are the expert in your own experience — and every pregnancy journey deserves support that honours that.
