Pregnant woman holding a glucose meter showing a reading of 5.8

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester. It affects how your body uses insulin and causes high blood sugar levels that can impact both your health and your baby’s. While gestational diabetes usually goes away after childbirth, it requires careful management during pregnancy to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Causes

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively. This leads to insulin resistance, which can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Risk factors for developing gestational diabetes include:

  • Being overweight before pregnancy

  • A family history of diabetes

  • Previous gestational diabetes

  • Age 25 or older

  • Having a baby previously weighing more than 9 pounds

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Belonging to certain ethnic groups (such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian)

Symptoms

Treatment Options

Gestational diabetes often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why screening is a routine part of prenatal care. However, some women may experience:

  • Increased thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Fatigue

  • Blurred vision

  • Increased hunger

Even without symptoms, elevated blood sugar levels can pose risks to both mother and baby if left untreated.

Managing gestational diabetes is essential for reducing complications during pregnancy and delivery. Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range and includes:

  • Nutrition Counseling: Our team works with you to create a personalized meal plan that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to maintain stable blood sugar.

  • Regular Physical Activity: Safe, moderate exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and supports healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

  • Blood Sugar Monitoring: Checking blood glucose levels regularly helps track how your body is responding to food, activity, and hormones.

  • Medication if Needed: If diet and exercise aren’t enough to control blood sugar, insulin or oral medications may be prescribed safely during pregnancy.

  • Ongoing Support: We provide close monitoring and education throughout your pregnancy to support both your health and your baby’s development.

Most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies with proper care. After delivery, blood sugar levels often return to normal, but gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. We offer postpartum follow-up and long-term support to help reduce that risk.