Gestational Diabetes 

If you recently learned that you have gestational diabetes, it’s normal to feel concerned. This form of diabetes is common, and with the right care, many people go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. 

At Banner Health, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Below, you’ll learn what gestational diabetes is, who is at risk, how it’s managed during pregnancy and what it may mean for your health after delivery. 

What is gestational diabetes? 

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second trimester. It occurs when blood sugar levels become higher than normal in someone who did not have diabetes before pregnancy. 

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help your baby grow and develop. These hormones can also make it harder for your body to use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. When insulin does not work as it should, glucose (blood sugar) builds up in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the body. 

Who is at risk for gestational diabetes? 

Any pregnant person can develop gestational diabetes. However, certain health, pregnancy and demographic factors can increase risk. 

You may be at higher risk for gestational diabetes if you: 

• Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy 
• Are overweight or obese before pregnancy 
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes 
• Have prediabetes, meaning blood sugar levels are higher than normal 
• Are age 25 or older 
• Have high blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that affects insulin use 
• Are Black, Native American or of Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander descent 

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes? 

Many people with gestational diabetes do not have noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: 

• Increased thirst 
• Needing to urinate more often 
• Blurry vision 
• Nausea or vomiting 

Because these symptoms can also be common during pregnancy, routine screening is important. Most people are tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. 

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed? 

Screening for gestational diabetes usually takes place early in the second trimester. If your provider believes you are at higher risk, testing may happen earlier. 

Two tests are commonly used: 

Glucose challenge test 

You drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar is checked about one hour later. If your blood sugar level is high, your provider will order a follow-up test. 

Oral glucose tolerance test 

This test involves drinking a more concentrated sugary beverage and having your blood sugar checked four times over several hours. This test confirms whether you have gestational diabetes. 

How is gestational diabetes treated? 

Your health care provider will work with you to create a personalized care plan that supports both your health and your baby’s development.  

Treatment may include: 

Healthy eating plan 

Eating balanced meals with whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help manage blood sugar. You’ll also be encouraged to drink plenty of water and limit added sugars and processed foods. 

Daily physical activity 

Exercise helps your body use glucose more effectively. Many people are encouraged to aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. Your provider can recommend safe exercises during pregnancy. 

Regular blood sugar monitoring

 Your provider will monitor your blood sugar levels, and you may need to check them at home using a glucose meter. 

Healthy weight gain 

Gaining too much weight or gaining weight too quickly can make blood sugar harder to control. Your provider will guide healthy pregnancy weight gain. 

Medication, if needed 

If diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar, your provider may prescribe insulin injections or oral diabetes medications. 

What to expect week to week with gestational diabetes 

After diagnosis, care usually follows a predictable pattern. Knowing what to expect can help reduce stress. 

Early weeks after diagnosis 

• You’ll learn how to check your blood sugar at home 
• A provider or diabetes educator may review meal planning and activity goals 
• You may begin tracking blood sugar readings, meals and exercise 

Mid-pregnancy 

• Your provider will review blood sugar patterns and adjust care if needed 
• Many people manage gestational diabetes with diet and activity alone 
• Medication may be added if blood sugar remains high 

Later pregnancy 

• Prenatal visits may happen more often 
• Additional ultrasounds may be used to monitor your baby’s growth 
• Blood sugar monitoring remains important 

Toward delivery 

• Your care team will discuss delivery planning based on blood sugar control and baby size 
• Many people are able to have vaginal deliveries 
• Blood sugar is usually monitored during labor 

Possible complications of gestational diabetes during pregnancy 

Most people with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies. Still, it’s important to understand possible risks so they can be identified early. 

Possible complications for the pregnant person 

• High blood pressure and preeclampsia: Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which may progress to preeclampsia if untreated. 
• Preterm birth: Gestational diabetes may increase the risk of giving birth before 37 weeks. 
• Cesarean delivery (C-section): Poorly controlled blood sugar can increase the likelihood of needing a C-section. 

Possible complications for the baby 

• Very large birth weight (macrosomia) 
• Low blood sugar after birth (hypoglycemia), which can cause seizures if untreated 
• Breathing problems at birth 
• Higher risk of obesity later in childhood 

Will gestational diabetes go away after pregnancy? 

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, having gestational diabetes increases your long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and it also increases your child’s risk of developing diabetes later in life. 

Because of this increased risk, follow-up care after pregnancy is important. If you had gestational diabetes, you should be screened for type 2 diabetes no later than 12 weeks after delivery, even if you feel well. If results are normal, repeat screening is recommended every three years, or more often if advised by your provider. 

Early testing helps detect changes in blood sugar before type 2 diabetes develops. 

How gestational diabetes affects long-term diabetes risk 

Gestational diabetes can be an early sign that the body has difficulty using insulin effectively. While blood sugar levels often return to normal after pregnancy, insulin resistance can persist. 

People who have had gestational diabetes are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life without regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle habits. Children born from pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes may also have a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes as they grow older. 

Steps you can take to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes 

While type 2 diabetes is not always preventable, there are steps that can lower risk after gestational diabetes: 

• Get tested for diabetes after pregnancy and continue regular screening 
• Stay physically active and eat nutritious foods 
• Work toward a healthy weight with guidance from your provider 
• Keep regular primary care visits to monitor blood sugar and overall health 

If you have concerns about your risk, talk with your health care provider about long-term diabetes prevention. 

Here to help during pregnancy and beyond 

At Banner Health, our maternity, primary care and diabetes teams work together to support you during pregnancy and after delivery. We provide personalized guidance on nutrition, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and long-term health. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Banner Health maternity care team or explore our diabetes support and resources.