Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnancy hormones make it harder for the body to use insulin, raising blood sugar. It often has no symptoms and is usually found through routine screening, commonly with a glucose tolerance test around the middle of pregnancy.
When managed well through monitoring, diet, activity, and sometimes medication or insulin, most pregnancies have good outcomes. If left uncontrolled, it can increase risks such as a larger baby, delivery complications, and low blood sugar in the newborn, which is why it is taken seriously.
Blood sugar usually returns to normal after birth, but women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher long-term risk of type 2 diabetes and should have follow-up testing. If you are pregnant, attend your screening appointments and discuss any concerns with your maternity and diabetes team.