Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that emerges during pregnancy and usually resolves postpartum.

Health · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Often symptomless, this condition occurs when a pregnant body cannot produce enough insulin to meet increased metabolic demands. While it typically disappears after birth, early detection and management are vital to reduce risks for both mother and baby, including complications like pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and future type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is defined as glucose intolerance that first appears or is recognized during pregnancy. It is most common in the second or third trimester, occurring when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin to handle the pregnancy's extra metabolic needs. Because the condition rarely causes noticeable symptoms, most cases are identified through routine screening. When symptoms do appear, they may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, though these are often indistinguishable from normal pregnancy discomforts.

The standard diagnostic tool is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), typically administered between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. This involves a fasting blood test followed by a glucose drink and a second blood sample two hours later. While effective, the OGTT is often considered cumbersome and uncomfortable, leading researchers to explore alternative biomarkers like plasma glycated CD59. For those diagnosed, management focuses on stabilizing blood sugar through diet, increased physical activity, and, if necessary, medication such as insulin or tablets.

The condition carries significant implications for both mother and child. Mothers face higher risks of pre-eclampsia and a greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. For the baby, potential complications include excessive growth, jaundice, low blood sugar after birth, and an increased risk of obesity or diabetes in the future. Although the condition usually resolves after delivery, women who have experienced it are advised to undergo regular blood sugar testing postpartum to monitor for the development of chronic diabetes.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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