Diabetes Information

Gestational Diabetes


Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, are said to have gestational diabetes.Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnancies, making it one of the top health concerns related to pregnancy.

What is the cause of gestational diabetes?
While no-one really knows the cause, there are some factors that is might increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Obesity in the woman
  • Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
  • Older maternal age (over the age of 30).
  • A previous delivery of a large (greater than 9 pounds) baby .

    What are the risks of gestational diabetes?
    High sugar levels in your blood can be unhealthy for both you and your baby. If a woman had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a greater change of developing diabetes, but there is also some other risks involved, such as macrosomia, or a "fat" baby. Babies with macrosomia face health problems of their own, including damage to their shoulders during birth, or a higher risk for breathing problems.

    Treating gestational diabetes
    In most cases, gestational diabetes is managed by diet and exercise, and goes away after the baby is born. But because gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby, it is important to start treatment quickly. You should consult your doctor for special meal plans and scheduled physical activity.

    There is no reason to panic
    While gestational diabetes is a cause for concern, the good news with the correct diet and exercise, you can keep your blood glucose levels under control, and give a healthy start for your baby.

    Andrew Palmer helps maintain Diabetesweb, an informational site on everything related to diabetes. Be sure to check it out if you need further information on gestational diabetes.


    MORE RESOURCES:












    Call to Congress 2026  American Diabetes Association







    Gestational Diabetes  University of Michigan Health






















    Diabetes  University of Michigan Health





    What Is Diabetes?  oklahoma.gov





    Diabetes and Prediabetes  Virginia Department of Health (.gov)









    Pre-Diabetes Class  Finger Lakes Daily News




    About the Division of Diabetes Translation  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov)


    Diabetes  UT Health East Texas





    Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network  Houston Health Department

    Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Cured? Diabetes Myths Debunked  University of Rochester Medical Center















    Diabetes  American Academy of Physician Associates









    How To Manage Diabetes and Heat  Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials



    Diabetes  World Health Organization (WHO)

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