Gestational diabetes
It;s natural to feel concerned if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, or you have been told you are at risk. But gestational diabetes is fairly common: it affects around 18% of pregnant women. There are some things that increase your risk of developing gestational diabetes, but any pregnant woman can develop it.
In the UK, all pregnant women who are considered at risk are offered a test for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Women are sometimes surprised to find out they have the condition because it’s often picked up before it shows any obvious symptoms.
“Most mums I’ve met who had gestational diabetes have struggled with guilt, particularly in the beginning. Yes, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing the condition, such as diet and exercise. But if you do develop gestational diabetes, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Anyone can develop it.”
Isabel
There are several medical treatments that can help with gestational diabetes. However, some women are able to manage it by eating a healthy, balanced diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
Some women feel anxious about the potential complications or the long-term impact of gestational diabetes. Others feel worried about the diagnosis affecting their birth plan. Try to remember that most women who develop gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies if their condition is diagnosed and carefully managed and treated.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (2013) Gestational diabetes https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pi-gestational-diabetes.pdf
NICE (2015). Diabetes in pregnancy: management from preconception to the postnatal period. National Institute for health and care excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng3
NHS Choices. Gestational Diabetes https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/ (Page last reviewed: 06/08/2019. Next review due: 06/08/2022)
Read more about gestational diabetes
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What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. With management, most women will have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. -
Causes of gestational diabetes
We do not understand exactly why some women get gestational diabetes and others don't. But we do know that some factors increase the risk. -
Symptoms of gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms. Most women only find out that they have it when they are tested for the condition. -
What are the risks of gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes can cause problems in pregnancy, but these risks can be reduced with careful management. -
Treatment for gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is treated by making changes to diet and exercise to manage glucose levels. If this doesn’t work, you may be given medication. -
Testing for gestational diabetes
If you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, you’ll usually be offered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). -
Monitoring your own glucose levels
If you have gestational diabetes, measuring your own blood glucose levels will become something you do regularly. -
Gestational diabetes and your diet
Eating well is an important part of managing gestational diabetes and staying healthy throughout your pregnancy. -
Staying active with gestational diabetes
If you have gestational diabetes, exercise is safe and can help you manage your condition by reducing your glucose levels. -
Gestational diabetes and your mental wellbeing
It’s natural to feel worried if you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Here are some on how to ease any concerns. -
Feeding your baby and gestational diabetes
If you have gestational diabetes, it’s important to feed your baby as soon as possible and then regularly after you give birth. -
Taking medication and insulin for gestational diabetes
Some women can control their glucose levels through diet and exercise alone, but others will need to take tablets or injections to help control it.