Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Pregnancy hormones make the body less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. Most bodies can make extra insulin to cope. Gestational diabetes develops when the body cannot make enough, so blood sugar rises. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy but is more common in the second or third trimester.
Several factors raise the chance of gestational diabetes. These include a high body mass index, having had gestational diabetes before, a previous baby weighing 4.5kg or more, a parent or sibling with diabetes, and some ethnic backgrounds, such as South Asian, Black or Middle Eastern. Many people have no symptoms, so a midwife may offer a blood sugar test during pregnancy.
Managing gestational diabetes usually starts with changes to diet and physical activity, and regular blood sugar checks at home. Some people also need tablets or insulin injections. A care team will check the baby's growth more closely, which can mean extra appointments. At work, regular meal breaks, a private place to test blood sugar and time off for appointments can help.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the birth. However, it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later, so a blood test after the birth and regular checks in the following years are usually advised. A GP can explain what checks are needed.
Sources: NHS, WHO, MedlinePlus.
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