Health

Gestational diabetes: risks, tests and what to eat

By Nine Moons EditorialMedically reviewed by Professor Dr FarhatUpdated 9 Oct 20267 min read

Quick answer

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that starts in pregnancy. It's more common in women of South Asian, Middle Eastern and Black African family origin, and in women with a BMI over 30 or a family history of diabetes. It's usually tested with a glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks. Most women manage it with diet and activity, and some need tablets or insulin. It usually goes away after birth.

Key facts

Test	Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), usually 24 to 28 weeks
Higher risk	South Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African origin; BMI over 30; family history; previous GDM
Treatment	Diet and activity first; metformin or insulin if needed
After birth	Blood sugar test after delivery and regular checks for life

Why it matters

When blood sugar is high, more sugar reaches the baby, who may grow large. That can make birth harder and can cause low blood sugar in the baby after delivery. With good control, most women have healthy babies.

Who is at higher risk

Family origin from South Asia (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh), the Middle East or Black Africa
BMI of 30 or more
A parent, brother or sister with diabetes
Gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
A previous baby weighing 4.5 kg or more

If you have risk factors, you may be tested earlier as well as at 24 to 28 weeks.

The glucose test

You fast overnight, have a blood test, drink a sugary drink, then have more blood tests over the next 1 or 2 hours. The exact cut-off values depend on your country's guidelines.

Eating with gestational diabetes

Swap white rice, maida and white bread for smaller portions of brown rice, wholemeal roti or oats.
Fill half your plate with vegetables and a quarter with protein (daal, chicken, fish, eggs, paneer).
Limit sweets, fruit juice, sweet chai and soft drinks. Eat whole fruit in small portions.
Dates and mango are healthy but sugary: 1 or 2 dates, or a few slices of mango, with a meal.
Eat regularly. Don't skip meals.

Activity

A 10 to 15 minute walk after meals lowers blood sugar. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days if your doctor agrees.

Fasting and gestational diabetes

Fasting in Ramadan isn't usually advised with gestational diabetes. Read our Ramadan guide and talk to your doctor.

After birth

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, but it raises your risk of type 2 diabetes later. Have a blood sugar test after delivery and regular checks after that. Breastfeeding and staying active help lower the risk.

Frequently asked questions

Will my baby have diabetes?

No, gestational diabetes doesn't give your baby diabetes, but it may raise their risk of weight problems later in life.

Do I need a caesarean?

Not usually. Most women with well-controlled gestational diabetes can have a vaginal birth.

Can I prevent it?

Staying active and eating well before and during pregnancy lowers the risk, but some women develop it anyway.

Sources

NICE NG3 Diabetes in pregnancy
ACOG Practice Bulletin 190: Gestational diabetes
IDF Diabetes Atlas

General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content

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