Gestational diabetes

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Normally glucose levels are controlled by a hormone called insulin, but if the body cannot produce enough insulin or is becoming resistant, it can lead to increased levels of glucose.

If left untreated, gestational diabetes can increase the risk of certain birth complications, including babies born larger than their gestational age.

Gestational diabetes can occur anytime during pregnancy but usually develops after 28 weeks and normally resolves itself after the baby is born. However, women with this condition could be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The symptoms of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be difficult to diagnose as it often does not cause any symptoms. However, high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) can cause symptoms, including:
 

  • Increase thirst
  • Needing to urinate frequently
  • Having a dry mouth
  • Feeling unusually tired
nurse

Treating gestational diabetes

Carbohydrates are the starches and sugars that are our main source of energy from food, so they can have a significant effect on blood sugar. Choosing wholegrain options increases your fibre intake, so including wholemeal bread and brown rice and pasta can help support your digestion while soluble fibre from oats, barley, potatoes (with the skin on), bananas, apples and carrots can help keep blood sugar under control.

You should avoid sugary food and drink, such as soft drinks, cakes, sweets and ready prepared meals that are often high in sugar and salt. But if you do fancy something sweet, fruit or natural yoghurt are good alternatives. Other good snacks include rice crackers, vegetable sticks or popcorn (plain with no added salt or sugar).

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is key, so continue to eat a range of vegetables, along with plenty of fish, eggs, lean meat and nuts, which are good sources of protein.

There is a lot to remember, so please do ask your dietitian or those caring for you if you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy diet.

Who is at risk?

You may be at increased risk of gestational diabetes if:
 

  • You have had gestational diabetes before
  • One of your parents or siblings has diabetes
  • You have previously given birth to a baby who weighed 4.5kg (10Ibs) or more
  • Your BMI score is 30 or more
  • Your family origins are black Caribbean, South Asian (Bangladesh, India or Pakistan), or Middle Eastern (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, or UAE)

If you have any more questions or you'd like to know more about pregnancy, why not give our experts a call on 0800 977 8880 or ask us a question online, instantly, using Live Chat Monday to Friday, 8am- 8pm.

FACEBO~1.PNG

Join the club

Ready to stop worrying about what other people think and do what feels right to you? We’ll give you the support you need to follow your instincts and enjoy parenthood to the max:

Helpful emails

Non-judgemental support

Free weaning plan*

Tips from real parents

*Weaning is recommended at around 6 months. Please speak with a healthcare professional before introducing solid foods.

FACEBO~1.PNG

Join the club

Ready to stop worrying about what other people think and do what feels right to you? We’ll give you the support you need to follow your instincts and enjoy parenthood to the max:

Helpful emails

Non-judgemental support

Free weaning plan*

Tips from real parents

*Weaning is recommended at around 6 months. Please speak with a healthcare professional before introducing solid foods.

Need some friendly advice or a bit of reassurance?

Ask us a question (8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm Weekends)

WhatsApp

Messenger

Contact us on Facebook (10am - 10pm, 7 days a week)

Call us

Call us on 0800 977 8880 (8am - 8pm Monday to Friday)

FAQs

Get answers to your most frequently asked questions

x