Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only occurs only in women during pregnancy. It differs from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. All three types affect the way your body processes sugars, but each has its own distinct cause.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to destroy cells that release insulin, reducing your body’s supply of this key hormone. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops an irregular reaction to insulin.

Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s body reacts abnormally to insulin during pregnancy. It shares some symptoms with Type 2 diabetes, and 50% of those diagnosed with gestational diabetes develop Type 2 diabetes.

Scientists have not yet pinpointed the precise cause of gestational diabetes, but some hormones, including cortisol, estrogen and placental lactogen, make it difficult for women to respond properly to insulin. This is called the contra-insulin effect.

During pregnancy the placenta, an organ that develops and attaches to the uterine wall, creates the hormones that the woman’s body needs to support the unborn baby. Women usually notice the contra-insulin effect 20 to 24 weeks into their pregnancy.

As a pregnancy progresses, insulin resistance can build, worsening the condition if left untreated.

Some women are at higher risk of gestational diabetes than others. Diabetes statistics suggest that you may be more likely to develop this condition if you:

Researchers believe minority and ethnic populations may experience higher incidence of gestational diabetes because of significant chronic stress and systemic food deserts, limiting easy access to diverse, healthy produce.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible. You can even bring up any concerns prior to conception if you plan to get pregnant or want to try. Your doctor can provide you with the information and care you need to have a healthy pregnancy.

Unlike other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes rarely causes any symptoms. You may not find out you have it until you receive results from routine tests as part of your prenatal care.

You may show signs of hypoglycemia, including shaking, weakness and confusion. You may also develop symptoms that mirror Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes symptoms, including excessive thirst, fatigue and increased hunger.

If you experience any symptoms of gestational diabetes, your blood sugar may be much higher or lower than it should be.

OB/GYNs (and midwives) screen all their pregnant patients for gestational diabetes as part of routine prenatal care. They usually schedule screenings between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

The first recommended screening is the Glucose Challenge Test, a series of blood tests designed to measure how well your body processes glucose. This test can also be used to test for diabetes when Type 2 diabetes is suspected.

After an initial blood test to measure your fasting blood sugar, technicians give you a syrupy glucose solution to drink. They will then test your blood sugar twice — once an hour for the next two hours.

If your blood sugar readings are higher than normal after drinking the solution, you may have gestational diabetes. Your doctor will then schedule additional tests to confirm the diagnosis before beginning treatment.

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can cause serious complications. Women who do not treat this form of diabetes are at high risk for:

Gestational diabetes can put your baby’s health at risk. Treatment is necessary to protect you both from its negative effects.

Potential Complications That Can Impact Babies

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can also affect your baby’s health. Babies born to mothers with uncontrolled gestational diabetes are at higher risk for:

Be sure to follow all your doctor’s recommendations to keep your gestational diabetes under control. Doing so will give your baby the best chance of living a healthy life.

Doctors struggle to treat gestational diabetes consistently and effectively because the causes are so unclear. Researchers constantly develop new tactics, giving doctors increased options for treatment.

For instance, a 2022 study found that gestational diabetes shares many genetic links with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Scientists know that all three forms of the disease have an association with genes that make it more difficult for your body to produce and release insulin. These findings may guide research into development of future treatment modalities.

For now, women who develop this pregnancy-related condition are usually prescribed a gestational diabetes diet to manage their blood sugar. This is a similar approach to diabetes treatment plans for prediabetes and Type 2; however, your healthcare team should design a diet specifically for you, incorporating all of the nutrients you and your growing baby need.

The goal is to lower blood sugar and keep your levels as stable as possible while still providing you and your baby with a complete and healthy diet. Your doctors will monitor your blood sugar regularly to ensure the diet works for you.

Your doctors may also recommend light exercise as part of your gestational diabetes treatment. Recent studies suggest that exercise is a key part of successful treatment for gestational diabetes. Mothers who exercised while taking insulin for their gestational diabetes experienced significantly better health outcomes than mothers who only took insulin.

Always talk to your doctor before attempting any exercise during pregnancy.

Scientists are not sure how to prevent gestational diabetes. Some evidence suggests a healthy diet and regular exercise before pregnancy may make women less likely to develop the condition because it removes or lessens some of the risk factors (obesity, high blood pressure, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes). But this is unconfirmed and needs further study before it can inform prenatal care.

Women who are already pregnant should not diet or exercise as ways to prevent gestational diabetes without support from their doctor. It’s dangerous for pregnant women to lose weight while carrying a baby to term.

Talk to your doctors — and follow their advice — about any concerns you have or health information you may need during your pregnancy.