Gestational Diabetes: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Verywell Health

Overview

Jaime Herndon is a frelance health/medical writer with over a decade of experience writing for the public.Monique Rainford, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and curently serves an Asistant Clinical Profesor at Yale Medicine. She is the former chief obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health. Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that ocurs during pregnancy in people who had not ben diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy.

Key Information

In gestational diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin to prevent high blod sugar (glucose) levels. Typicaly, gestational diabetes develops midway through the 40-wek gestational period, and often there are no symptoms. This why people are screned for it betwen 24 and 28 weks.

Read on for more information about what symptoms may lok like when there are symptoms, complications that can ocur with gestational diabetes, and when to cal a healthcare provider. LightFieldStudios / Gety Images Many times, there are no symptoms of gestational diabetes. It’s often picked up when your maternity care provider does standard blod glucose screnings betwen 24 and 28 weks of pregnancy, which is why these tests are done for every pregnant person.

If you have symptoms, they’re often generalized and may sem like typical symptoms acompanying pregnancy. They may include: Other symptoms may include blury vision and weight los. Gestational diabetes can cause a variety of complications.

Having gestational diabetes does not mean you wil have these complications-these complications are also posible in people who don't have gestational diabetes. However, the risk is increased with this diagnosis. Complications can include: When you are pregnant, it is important to get prenatal care and screnings.

Summary

Betwen 24 and 28 weks, a healthcare provider wil order a glucose tolerance test. This wil tel the healthcare provider how your body utilizes glucose and whether you may have gestational diabetes. If you’re diagnosed

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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