What you need to know about gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes, along with type 2 diabetes, is on the rise in the western world - a direct result of lifestyle, diet and the modern technology designed to make life easier and more ‘convenient’.

Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the years immediately after having a baby and/or later in life. Children of women with gestational diabetes are also at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The good news is that regular screening, good nutrition and an active lifestyle will help decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Questions and answers

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), happens when you have higher than normal blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

How many people get diabetes in pregnancy?

Approximately one in 10 to one in 20 women will develop gestational diabetes.

Will I still have gestational diabetes after I’ve had my baby?

Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes and generally does go away after delivery. However, it can develop into type 2 diabetes immediately after the baby is born, and/or develop into type 2 diabetes later on in life if left untreated.

Who is likely to get gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes may occur in any pregnancy, but is more likely in women who:

• Are overweight
• Become pregnant at a much later age 
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Have a previous history of giving birth to larger babies
• Are from certain ethnic groups i.e. Indigenous Australians, Asians

How is it diagnosed?

An IGTT (Impaired Glucose Tolerance Test) is offered to all women at 28 weeks gestation. If this comes back indicating a high blood sugar level your doctor will arrange a two hour oral glucose test, for which overnight fasting is required.

How does having gestational diabetes affect me?

Women have few immediate direct effects. Their babies are usually larger with greater potential for delivery complications and caesarians, and they have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after delivery.

What if I’m a diabetic before getting pregnant?

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of abnormalities in babies. Good control of blood sugar before and during pregnancy is critical to reduce this risk. Pregnancy planning is very important and should be discussed with your health practitioner.

How does having gestational diabetes affect my baby?

High blood sugars can affect the baby. If your blood sugar levels are too high then too much sugar crosses the placenta to the baby. Basically, this means the baby is being ‘overfed’. The baby may grow very big, i.e. over 4kgs (9lbs), be delivered early, have low sugar levels after birth and require special care.

Will my baby be born with diabetes?

No, your baby will not be born with diabetes. However, children of women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.

If I control my gestational diabetes will my baby be born healthy?

Yes, the baby will be healthy if your blood sugar levels are kept within normal range during pregnancy.

What do I need to do to keep my blood sugar levels normal so my baby grows and matures normally?

To control blood sugar levels you need to:

• Seek advice from your health practitioner
• Ensure a healthy diet by increasing fibre and decreasing sugary and fatty foods
• Be as physically active as you can. Walk as often as possible, especially after eating, aiming for at least 30 minuters every day 
• Test your blood sugar – this can be done with a finger prick test one and a half hours after meals
• Insulin injections may be required to help control sugar levels  

Where is the best place to get help for gestational diabetes?

A good place to start is with your GP. You may also see a dietitian, a diabetes nurse educator, a diabetes specialist or an obstetrician. Most women with gestational diabetes are seen in a multi-disciplinary clinic setting, i.e. where all these health professionals work together to best manage your care.

Can I expect a normal delivery even though I have gestational diabetes?

Usually a normal delivery will be planned when your obstetrician feels the baby is ready, although early delivery may be needed.

What can I expect after I’ve had my baby?

Blood sugar levels usually return to normal. A further oral glucose tolerance test is done six weeks after you have had your baby. This is critical to ensure the diabetes has resolved.

Women with gestational diabetes and their children have an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life, so a healthy lifestyle is very important. Weight gain should be avoided.

Can I breastfeed?

Yes, breastfeeding is recommended.

What do I need to do to reduce my risk of developing diabetes?

It’s really important to have regular screening for diabetes. You’ll need an annual blood glucose check, regular cholesterol checks, and you will need to be aware and be monitored in any subsequent pregnancies. It is also essential to control your weight, eat a sensible diet, have regular exercise and don’t smoke.

Will my children need follow-up to ensure their blood sugar levels are normal?

Follow-up will be needed around the age of 35 to 40, but a healthy lifestyle is recommended to avoid weight gain and reduce the risk of diabetes later in life.

Further resources

 Gestational diabetes (47.59 KB)

Content updated July 15, 2008