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Gestational Diabetes | Pregnancy Power Hour
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Condition · serious

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting how your body processes sugar, and is typically identified in the second or third trimester.

3 min read

Quick answer

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting how your body processes sugar, and is typically identified in the second or third trimester.

On this page
  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team
  • Also: GD
  • Also: GDM

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a unique form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting how your body uses sugar, and is typically identified in the second or third trimester. It’s a condition that many pregnant people encounter, with evidence suggesting it affects a notable percentage of pregnancies in the US, and rates can vary depending on the population and how it's diagnosed.

What it is

GD occurs when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it makes during pregnancy. This leads to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. While it usually resolves after birth, it's important to manage it carefully during pregnancy to support both your well-being and your baby's development. Universal screening for GD is a standard practice in many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, typically occurring between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy through a glucose challenge test. It's worth noting that diagnostic criteria can differ between regions; for example, what might be diagnosed as GD in the US might not meet the criteria in the UK, highlighting the varying approaches to identifying the condition.

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What it tends to feel like

Often, gestational diabetes doesn't have obvious symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Many people feel no different at all, making the diagnosis feel unexpected. However, for some, there might be subtle signs like increased thirst, more frequent urination, or fatigue. Receiving a GD diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions, from surprise to concern, and it's common to experience Pregnancy Anxiety as you navigate new information and adjustments. As a doula, I often see how this initial overwhelm can be eased by clear, evidence-based conversations about what the diagnosis means for you.

What the evidence says helps

The good news is that for many, gestational diabetes can be effectively managed. Research indicates that a significant percentage of GD cases are managed through lifestyle adjustments alone, focusing on diet and exercise. This might involve working with a dietitian to understand how different foods impact your blood sugar and incorporating gentle, regular movement into your day. For others, medication like insulin or metformin may be recommended by your care provider to help keep blood sugar levels within target ranges. These targets, such as fasting blood glucose below 95 mg/dL and 1-hour post-meal below 140 mg/dL, are set to promote optimal health for both you and your baby. Emerging evidence also suggests that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are being adopted, offering promising results for more precise blood sugar management.

Working with your care team

Navigating a GD diagnosis is a collaborative effort with your healthcare team. Your provider is your best resource for your specific situation, helping you understand your individual targets and treatment plan. Regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels will likely be a part of your routine. It's an opportunity to learn more about your body and how it responds to different foods and activities. If the demands of managing GD begin to feel overwhelming, it's important to share those feelings with your provider, as ongoing stress can sometimes contribute to conditions like Perinatal Depression. Remember, you get to decide what feels right for you, and your care team is there to offer options and support. Just as with understanding any unexpected health development in pregnancy, from managing Pregnancy Anxiety to understanding conditions like Subchorionic Hemorrhage, clear information empowers you to make informed decisions and feel more confident.

Common questions

What is the primary way GD is diagnosed?+

Gestational diabetes is typically diagnosed through universal screening with a glucose challenge test, usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is a standard practice in many countries to identify how your body processes sugar during pregnancy.

How is gestational diabetes usually managed?+

For many, GD is managed with diet and exercise alone. This involves making informed food choices and incorporating regular, gentle movement. If lifestyle adjustments aren't sufficient, your provider might recommend medication like insulin or metformin to help regulate blood sugar levels.

What are the long-term implications of GD?+

While GD usually resolves after birth, there's an increased lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Postpartum glucose testing, typically at 4–12 weeks after delivery, is an essential step to monitor your health and discuss preventive strategies with your provider.

Brittany Nance

“Pregnancy is under-supported at every week. This is the kind of clear, calm guidance I give my one-on-one clients — and the questions worth taking back to your provider.”

Brittany Nance · Pregnancy Wellness Consultant · full-spectrum doula

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Written by Brittany Nance, Pregnancy Wellness Consultant· BADT Full Spectrum Doula · Founder, Pregnancy Power Hour
Last reviewed July 15, 2026

This is evidence-informed education from a birth-doula perspective, not medical advice. Always discuss your individual situation with your prenatal care provider.

On this page

  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team

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