What is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs when your body cannot use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

This condition usually appears in the second half of pregnancy and often goes away after your baby is born. However, it can increase your chances of developing diabetes later in life.

 What causes it?

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help your baby grow. These hormones can also make it harder for your body to use insulin properly. As a result, sugar builds up in the bloodstream.

Certain factors may increase risk, including:

• Being overweight before pregnancy
• Family history of diabetes
• Age over 25
• History of prediabetes or high blood pressure
• Certain ethnic backgrounds

Symptoms

Gestational diabetes often does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screening is important during pregnancy.

If blood sugar levels become high, you may experience:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Nausea 

How is it diagnosed?

Gestational diabetes is usually tested for between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy.

Your provider will start with a glucose screening test, which measures how your body handles sugar. If results are higher than expected, a longer test may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

After delivery, follow-up testing is recommended to make sure blood sugar levels return to normal.

How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range to support both you and your baby.

Most people can manage gestational diabetes with:

• A balanced eating plan that includes whole foods and limits added sugars
• Regular physical activity, such as walking
• Checking blood sugar levels at home

If lifestyle changes are not enough, your provider may recommend insulin or other medications.

With proper care, many people have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Blood sugar levels often return to normal after childbirth, but ongoing monitoring is important.