Diabetes Management
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy. It affects up to 18% of pregnancies and can be more common in women who are older, overweight, or who smoke. Even with known risk factors, many women who develop gestational diabetes have none at all—so it’s not something you caused or could have prevented. The good news is that with proper monitoring and care, most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. In many cases, blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery. Because gestational diabetes can increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, ongoing check-ups after pregnancy can help support long-term health and wellness.
Symptoms
Patients usually show no symptoms of gestational diabetes, thus necessitating universal screening for the condition between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
Diagnosis
Screening for gestational diabetes is an important part of prenatal care. The initial test involves drinking a sweet glucose beverage followed by a blood draw to check how your body processes sugar. If the results are higher than expected, a second test is done. This follow-up test takes place after an overnight fast, using a similar glucose drink, and blood samples are taken each hour over a three-hour period. If two or more of those measurements are elevated, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made.
Identifying gestational diabetes early is essential because elevated blood sugar levels can affect both mother and baby. Higher glucose levels in the mother increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Excess sugar can lead to rapid fetal growth, known as macrosomia (a very large baby), which may increase the chance of needing a Cesarean delivery. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may also be at higher risk for issues such as low blood sugar after birth, mineral imbalances, and a higher-than-normal red blood cell count. As they grow, these children may have an increased likelihood of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes.
The good news is that with timely diagnosis and proper care, most women with gestational diabetes go on to have safe pregnancies and healthy babies.
Treatment
Treatment for gestational diabetes focuses on protecting the health of both mother and baby. In most cases, management includes a combination of mindful nutrition, regular exercise, and routine glucose monitoring.
If blood sugar levels remain elevated despite these steps, insulin therapy may be added to help maintain healthy glucose levels. Every patient receives a personalized nutrition plan and guidance from our registered dietitian, along with ongoing support throughout pregnancy to help maintain healthy habits. After delivery, follow-up care is encouraged to help reduce the mother’s long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the risk of diabetes for both mother and child, offering additional long-term benefits.
