Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also brings many changes to your body — some expected, some surprising, and some that require closer medical attention. One such condition is Gestational Diabetes (GDM). Many women feel anxious when they hear this term, but I want to reassure you: Gestational diabetes is common, manageable, and with proper care, both mother and baby remain healthy.
Let’s understand it in simple, clear terms.
What Exactly Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels become higher than normal only during pregnancy. It usually develops after the 5th or 6th month and is detected between 24–28 weeks during routine screening.
It happens because pregnancy hormones sometimes interfere with how your body uses insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar. When insulin doesn’t work well, sugar stays in the blood instead of entering the cells, leading to high sugar levels.
Why Does Gestational Diabetes Happen?
During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that help your baby grow. But these hormones can also make your body resistant to insulin. If your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood sugar rises — resulting in GDM.
You may be at higher risk if:
- You are above 30 years of age
- You have a family history of diabetes
- You were overweight before pregnancy
- You had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Your previous baby weighed more than 3.5 kg
- You have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
But remember, any woman can develop GDM, even with no risk factors.
Common Symptoms — Or Often, No Symptoms at All
Many women with gestational diabetes feel completely normal. That’s why screening is very important.
Some may experience:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
These symptoms can overlap with normal pregnancy changes, so do not rely only on symptoms. Testing is the most reliable way.
How Is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?
Between 24–28 weeks, we perform a Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT).
Depending on your risk level, you may be tested earlier.
The test involves:
- Drinking a sweet glucose solution
- Checking your blood sugar levels after specific intervals
- Understanding how your body handles sugar
It is simple, safe, and essential.
Is Gestational Diabetes Dangerous?
If left uncontrolled, GDM can cause:
- Higher birth weight (macrosomia)
- Increased chance of C-section
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Baby’s low sugar levels after birth
- Rarely, breathing difficulties in the newborn
But here is the important point:
With proper management, the risks reduce dramatically.
Most women with GDM have completely healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
How Do We Manage Gestational Diabetes?
1. Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is the cornerstone of managing GDM.
- Choose whole grains over refined carbs
- Include plenty of vegetables and protein
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Prefer small, frequent meals
- Avoid long gaps between meals
We often provide a personalized diet plan based on your needs.
2. Exercise
Moderate activity helps your body use insulin better.
Safe options include:
- Walking 30 minutes daily
- Prenatal yoga
- Light stretching
- Simple home workouts
Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.
3. Monitoring Blood Sugar
You may need to check your sugar levels at home using a glucometer.
This helps us track how well your diet and lifestyle changes are working.
Typical target levels:
- Fasting: 90–95 mg/dL
- Post-meal (1 hour): < 140 mg/dL
4. Medications (If Needed)
If diet, exercise, and monitoring are not enough, your doctor may recommend medicine. Not all women require medicines — most of them manage GDM with lifestyle changes alone.
Delivery & Gestational Diabetes
We monitor your baby’s growth closely.
If sugar levels are well controlled, you can expect:
- Normal delivery
- Normal birth weight
- Smooth postpartum recovery
In cases where the baby grows too large or sugar levels remain unstable, we may discuss early delivery for safety.
Life After Delivery
The good news is:
Gestational diabetes usually disappears after childbirth.
But there are a few important points:
- Your sugar test should be repeated 6–12 weeks postpartum.
- You have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle greatly reduces this risk.
Your baby may have a slightly higher risk of childhood obesity, so good nutrition and healthy habits play a big role for the whole family.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
- Very high sugar readings
- Low sugar symptoms (dizziness, sweating, feeling shaky)
- Decreased baby movements
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Excessive swelling
Never ignore any symptoms that feel unusual.
Gestational diabetes may sound overwhelming at first, but with proper guidance, monitoring, and lifestyle care, you can enjoy a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
As a doctor, my message is simple:
Do not fear the diagnosis — understand it, manage it, and trust the process.
You are not alone; we walk this journey together.
Dr. Mamta Pattnayak is working as a Additional Director in Gynae and Obstetrics Dept. in Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon. Dr. Mamta Pattnayak is an MBBS graduate from S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack and completed her MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) from Sambalpur University in 2003. With a rich experience of over years to her credit, Dr. Mamta has undergone training on advance lap Gynae by Ethicon. Done hand’s on Colposcopy course by RCOG. She is certified as a mentor in RCOG training course in Max Hospital Saket. Dr. Mamta has been associated with several organizations like Moolchand Hospital, New Delhi besides others. Her last assignment was at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. Recently she has also started her private clinic at: Mother’s Touch HealthCare Centre: 395P, Sector 39 Rd, opposite to Medanta Hospital, near Gurudwara, Sector 39, Gurugram, Haryana 122004
