Gestational diabetes (sometimes called GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. GDM affects around 3–5% of pregnancies in the UK, appearing when your body can’t produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy.
If you’ve been diagnosed with GDM – the good news is, with catching it early and proper management, you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
So why does GDM happen and who is at risk of it? Well, during pregnancy, your body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin – the hormone that helps control blood sugar levels – to allow more glucose to reach your baby. However, in some pregnancies, this resistance becomes too great, and your blood sugar levels rise beyond the healthy range.
You’re more likely to develop GDM if you:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have had it in a previous pregnancy
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are of South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin
- Have had a baby weighing over 4.5kg (10lb) previously
Monitoring for GDM happens early – from your very first midwife booking appointment where your midwife will assess your risk. If you have risk factors for GDM, you will be offered a a glucose tolerance test (GTT) round 24–28 weeks to diagnose or rule out GDM. If diagnosed, you’ll be closely monitored by your maternity team and offered extra growth scans to check your baby’s wellbeing. Daily blood sugar checks become part of your routine, and you’ll be supported to make healthy lifestyle changes. Some people may also need medication or insulin.
Managing Gestational Diabetes is important in keeping your blood glucose levels within target ranges. This includes:
- Eating a balanced, low-GI diet (plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables and slow-release carbs)
- Staying active – even gentle walks after meals can help
- Regular blood glucose monitoring
- Medication if needed
GDM left untreated can increase the risk of complications, including:
- High birth weight (macrosomia), which may lead to birth difficulties
- Premature birth
- Pre-eclampsia
- A higher chance of needing a C-section
- Low blood sugar in the baby after birth
Gestational diabetes can also increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life – for both mother and child.
How Antenatal Classes Can Help
Being diagnosed with GDM can be overwhelming and you may be feeling anxious. Alongside the support offered by your specialists diabetes midwife and doctors, many parents find that connecting with others in similar situations helps reduce anxiety and feel empowered to make informed choices. Our midwife-led classes can provide not only emotional reassurance but also practical education around diet, birth planning, and what to expect postnatally. They offer a supportive environment to discuss questions and concerns with our midwives.
Gestational diabetes may feel overwhelming at first, but with support, good care, and lifestyle changes, you can keep yourself and your baby healthy.
