Tommy's PregnancyHub

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.

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms. Most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening for gestational diabetes. Your midwife will talk to you about the risk factors for gestational diabetes at your booking appointment. They will organise a pregnancy diabetes test if they think you’re at risk.

"I wasn’t obviously skinny, but I wasn’t massively obese either… I had no symptoms whatsoever. I had no expectation that the test would be anything other than a formality."

Beth

Some women may develop symptoms if their blood glucose levels get high. These include:

  • going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
  • being really thirsty
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • losing weight without trying to
  • general itching or thrush.

Some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy so may not be a sign of gestational diabetes. But it is best to find out as soon as possible. Tell your midwife or GP if you have any concerns.

Try to remember that if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, careful management can reduce the risk of any complications.

NHS Choices. Gestational Diabetes https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/ (Page last reviewed: 06/08/2019. Next review due: 06/08/2022)

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

Read more

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020
Next review: 23 July, 2023

Read more about gestational diabetes

  • 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.
    Causes of gestational diabetes

  • Testing for gestational diabetes

    If you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, you’ll usually be offered an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
    Testing for gestational diabetes

  • What are the risks of gestational diabetes?

    Gestational diabetes can cause problems in pregnancy, but these risks can be reduced with careful management.
    What are the risks of gestational diabetes?

  • 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.
    What is gestational diabetes?

  • 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.
    Gestational diabetes and your mental wellbeing

  • 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.
    Feeding your baby and gestational diabetes

  • 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.
    Taking medication and insulin for gestational diabetes

  • Long term implications of gestational diabetes

    If you have had gestational diabetes, you can help to reduce your risk of future health issues by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and eating a balanced diet.
    Long term implications of gestational diabetes

  • Gestational diabetes and giving birth

    If you have gestational diabetes, your healthcare team should talk to you about your different options for giving birth.
    Gestational diabetes and giving birth

  • 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.
    Treatment for gestational diabetes

  • Managing your weight with gestational diabetes

    Women who are overweight are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, although many women who develop it are not overweight at all.
    Managing your weight with gestational diabetes

  • Injecting insulin

    If you’ve been prescribed insulin, you’ll need to give yourself this as an injection. You’ll be given an insulin pen.
    Injecting insulin