Gestational diabetes and pregnancy

Diabetes is a condition where your body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar levels), meaning that the amount of sugar in your blood rises. Diabetes in pregnancy can lead to complications for you and your baby. Around 5% of women develop gestational diabetes while they are pregnant.

This article covers symptoms, treatment and diabetes after pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes symptoms

Gestational diabetes symptoms are the same as those for high blood sugar:

• thirst
• needing to go to the toilet regularly
• feeling over-tired.

However, as these are common feelings during pregnancy, gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed from a routine urine test. If the test shows that you have a high level of sugar in your urine, then you will be asked to take a glucose tolerance test which tests how well your body deals with a set amount of glucose (sugar) introduced into your body.

Controlling diabetes in pregnancy

If your test shows that you have pregnancy diabetes, then don't panic! There are a number of ways to control your blood sugars, and most women with gestational diabetes can avoid medication. Diet is important, especially eating foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) - foods that have complex carbohydrates that break down slowly. A gestational diabetes diet is a healthy diet and if you have questions, you should see a dietician (your GP should be able to arrange an appointment). 

Exercise can also help and your GP or midwife can advise you about the safest way to exercise during pregnancy.

If this approach does not control your blood sugars then you may need to take tablets or insulin injections. In any case, if you have diabetes in pregnancy, then you will need to check your blood sugar several times each day, in order to keep an eye on your blood sugar control over time.

Diabetes after pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it can be a significant risk factor for diabetes after pregnancy. Around 30% of women who have pregnancy diabetes develop diabetes after pregnancy.

Further information 

NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

NHS choices offers information on gestational diabetes and how to manage it.