Gestational Diabetes

High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. It needs careful control to protect mother and baby.

PregnancyMetabolicLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Usually none, so it's found by testing during pregnancy. Some women feel very thirsty, pass urine more often or feel tired.

Common Treatments

Healthy eating, activity and checking blood sugar at home. Some women also need tablets such as metformin or insulin.

Risk Factors

Being overweight, South Asian background, previous gestational diabetes, a previous large baby and family history of diabetes.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that starts during pregnancy, usually in the second half. Pregnancy hormones make the body's insulin work less well, and some women can't make enough extra insulin to keep blood sugar normal.

Most women have no symptoms, which is why blood sugar tests are offered during pregnancy, especially to women at higher risk. In India, testing is commonly advised for all pregnant women.

With good control, most women have healthy pregnancies and babies. It usually goes away after birth, but it raises the chance of type 2 diabetes later, so regular checks afterwards are important.

Symptoms

Often no symptoms

Most women feel well and it's found through testing.

Thirst and passing urine often

Some women notice increased thirst and needing to pass urine more.

Tiredness

Tiredness is common in pregnancy and can be worse with high blood sugar.

Blurred vision

High blood sugar can sometimes cause blurred vision.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Hormones from the placenta make the body less sensitive to insulin. If the pancreas can't make enough extra insulin, blood sugar rises.

Key Risk Factors

  • Weight Being overweight before pregnancy increases the risk.
  • Ethnicity Women of South Asian background are at higher risk.
  • Previous gestational diabetes Having it in a past pregnancy makes it more likely again.
  • Family history A parent, brother or sister with diabetes raises the risk.
  • Previous large baby Having had a baby weighing more than about 4.5 kg.

Management & Treatment

01. Diet and activity

Eating regular, balanced meals with fewer sugary and refined foods, and staying active, as advised by your care team.

02. Home blood sugar checks

Checking blood sugar with a meter to see how well it's controlled.

03. Medicines if needed

Tablets such as metformin, or insulin injections, if diet and activity aren't enough.

04. Extra pregnancy checks

Extra scans to check the baby's growth, and planning for the birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my baby have diabetes?
Babies don't usually have diabetes, but well-controlled blood sugar lowers the chance of the baby growing very large or having low blood sugar after birth.
Does it go away after birth?
Usually yes. You should have a blood sugar test after the birth and regular checks afterwards because the risk of type 2 diabetes is higher.
Can I still breastfeed?
Yes. Breastfeeding is encouraged and may help lower your future risk of diabetes.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.