What is Gestational Diabetes? Causes, Risks, and What It Means for You
If you’ve recently been told you have gestational diabetes (GD), you’re not alone—and you’re likely full of questions. Around 4-5% of pregnancies in the UK are affected by GD, and while it can feel overwhelming at first, understanding the condition is the first step to managing it well.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually after 24 weeks. It means your body isn’t processing glucose (sugar) as effectively, causing higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, GD is temporary and usually resolves after birth, though it does carry implications for both you and your baby.
Why Does GD Happen?
During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones that help your baby grow. These hormones also make your body more resistant to insulin—the hormone responsible for helping glucose move from your blood into your cells. In most pregnancies, your pancreas compensates by making extra insulin. But for some, this isn’t enough, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Some risk factors for developing GD include:
- A BMI over 30
- A family history of diabetes
- A previous baby weighing over 4.5kg (10lbs)
- Certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., South Asian, Black Caribbean, Middle Eastern)
- A previous diagnosis of GD in an earlier pregnancy
Why is GD Important to Manage?
While GD often resolves after birth, it’s not something to ignore. Unmanaged blood sugar levels can increase the risk of complications, such as:
- Having a larger baby (macrosomia), which may lead to birth interventions
- Pre-eclampsia (a pregnancy-related high blood pressure condition)
- Early labour
- A higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life (for both mum and baby)
The Good News: GD is Manageable
The key to managing gestational diabetes is balancing your blood sugar levels through diet, lifestyle, and, in some cases, medication such as metformin or insulin. Many people can successfully manage GD through:
- Tailored nutrition (such as choosing low-glycaemic carbohydrates)
- Regular, safe exercise like walking or swimming
- Monitoring blood glucose levels as advised by your care team
With the right support, most people with GD go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.
What Happens Next?
If you’ve been diagnosed, you’ll likely be referred to a specialist antenatal team, which may include a dietitian, diabetes midwife, and consultant. Your team will guide you through nutrition strategies, how to monitor your blood glucose, and the next steps for you and your baby.
At Glow & Glucose, you’ll find practical, evidence-based advice to help you feel empowered throughout your GD journey. You’re not in this alone!