Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes first identified during pregnancy, caused by pregnancy-related insulin resistance, and it requires monitoring for the health of both parent and baby.
Symptoms
- Usually no noticeable symptoms — this is why routine screening during pregnancy matters
- Occasionally increased thirst or fatigue
Causes & risk factors
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy that increase insulin resistance
- Being overweight before pregnancy
- A family history of diabetes
- A prior pregnancy with gestational diabetes
- Age over 25
How it’s diagnosed
Screening is typically done with an oral glucose tolerance test at a standard point in pregnancy, or earlier if risk factors are present.
How it’s treated
Initial management focuses on nutrition and physical activity, with blood glucose monitoring throughout pregnancy; insulin or other medication is added if targets aren't met with lifestyle measures alone. Care is coordinated with your obstetric team.
When to seek care
- Blood glucose readings outside the targets set by your care team
- Reduced fetal movement — contact your obstetric provider promptly
- Symptoms of very high or very low blood glucose
FAQ
Does gestational diabetes go away after delivery?
For most people it resolves after delivery, but it raises the lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so follow-up testing after pregnancy is recommended.
Will gestational diabetes affect my baby?
Well-managed gestational diabetes substantially reduces risks to the baby. This is exactly why monitoring and treatment during pregnancy matter — discuss your specific risk profile with your care team.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
- WHO diabetes fact sheets and IDF Diabetes Atlas
Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.