Gestational Diabetes 

If you recently learned that you have gestational diabetes, it’s normal to feel a bit concerned. This form of diabetes is common, but with the right steps you can still have a healthy pregnancy.

At Banner Health, we’re here for you every step of the way. Read on to understand more about gestational diabetes and tips to keep your diabetes under control and stay healthy. 

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes where a pregnant person develops high blood sugar. This condition develops only during pregnancy, usually in the second trimester.

Hormones made by the placenta (the organ that grows in your uterus to provide your baby with oxygen and nutrition) cause gestational diabetes. These hormones help the baby to grow and develop but can also prevent your body from using insulin as it should. This is known as insulin resistance. 

As a result, glucose (blood sugar) builds up in your blood instead of being absorbed by your body.

Who is at risk for gestational diabetes?

Any pregnant person can develop gestational diabetes, but you may be at higher risk if you:

• Had gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy
• Are overweight or obese
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Have prediabetes (your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes)
• Are older than 25 years old
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Are Black, Native American, or of Hispanic/Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander descent

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Often, there are no noticeable symptoms. If there are symptoms, you may feel a bit thirstier or need to pee more than usual. Other symptoms may include blurry vision, nausea and vomiting.

However, these symptoms may also be typical pregnancy changes. That’s why it’s important to get tested for gestational diabetes in your second trimester - between 24 and 28 weeks.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

At the beginning of your second trimester, your health care provider will screen you for gestational diabetes. If your provider thinks you’re at risk, you may get tested earlier.

There are two main tests used to diagnose gestational diabetes: 

• Glucose challenge test: This test involves drinking a sugary liquid. After about an hour, you’ll have a blood test to check your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar is high, your provider will order an oral glucose tolerance test.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: This test is similar to the challenge test, but it involves drinking a beverage with even more sugar and having your blood sugar level checked four times over several hours. This test can confirm a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

What is the treatment for gestational diabetes?

Your health care provider will work with you on a personalized plan that fits your needs and ensures the best possible outcome for you and your baby. This may include:

• A healthy eating plan: Eat healthy foods like whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Drink plenty of water and limit added sugars and processed foods.
• Daily exercise: Exercise helps your body use more glucose, which may lower your blood sugar. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity. Your provider can guide you on a safe exercise plan.
• Regular blood sugar checks: Your provider will check your blood sugar levels regularly. You may also need to check it with a glucose meter tool at home.
• Keeping an eye on your weight gain: Gaining too much weight or gaining weight too fast can make it harder to manage your blood sugar.
• Medication: If diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to control your blood sugar levels, your provider may prescribe insulin shots or oral diabetes medications.

What are the possible complications of gestational diabetes during pregnancy?

While most people with gestational diabetes have smooth pregnancies, it’s important to know about possible complications:

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes can sometimes lead to high blood pressure. If this gets more serious it can become preeclampsia, a condition that can harm you and the baby. Regular check-ups can help catch and treat these problems early to ensure a safer pregnancy.
• Preterm birth: Preterm birth is when the baby comes before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes may lead to certain changes in the uterus or the baby that trigger early labor.   
• Very large baby (macrosomia): If your baby is very large (weighing more than 9 pounds at birth), it can lead to problems during delivery for you and the baby. 
• Cesarean section (C-section): If your condition is not well controlled, there is a higher chance you may have to deliver your baby by C-section (instead of a vaginal birth). 

Other problems for the baby include:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause seizures in newborns
• Breathing problems at birth
• Childhood obesity

Will I still have diabetes after my baby is born?

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after giving birth. However, it is important to keep an eye on your health because having gestational diabetes can put you (and your child) at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

If you have gestational diabetes, it’s important to get screened for type 2 diabetes by your health care provider no later than 12 weeks after your baby is born and again every three years. 

Is there anything I can do to prevent getting diabetes later in life?

It’s not entirely preventable, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Get tested for diabetes after pregnancy.
2. Be more active and eat nutritious food to return to a healthy weight.

If you have any concerns about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, talk to your health care provider.

Here to help

At Banner Health, we’re here to support you on your journey through pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Our experienced health care providers offer personalized care and guidance on nutrition, exercise and monitoring your blood sugar levels.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call our Banner Health maternity care team. You can also visit our support and resources page for more information.