Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy.
It can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but is more common in the second or third trimester.
It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin – a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels – to meet your extra needs in pregnancy.
Effects of gestational diabetes after birth
Gestational diabetes normally goes away after birth. But women who've had it are more likely to develop:
- gestational diabetes again in future pregnancies
- type 2 diabetes – a lifelong type of diabetes
You should have a blood test to check for diabetes 6 to 13 weeks after giving birth, and once every year after that if the result is normal.
See your GP if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, needing to pee more often than usual, and a dry mouth – do not wait until your next test.
You should have the tests even if you feel well, as many people with diabetes do not have any symptoms.
Why is it important to manage my risk of diabetes when I have had GDM?
Don't be fooled by the fact that gestational diabetes goes away after your baby is born. Gestational diabetes is a serious health condition which continues to affect you after the birth of your baby. A history of gestational diabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Up to half of all women who had gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later.
If you go on to develop full-blown type 2 diabetes. the risk of serious health problems increases even more.
Diabetes affects every major organ in the body. People with diabetes often develop major complications including kidney failure, blindness, and nerve damage, leading to amputation. Having diabetes can also increase your risk of depression. This all reduces quality of life.
It's therefore very important that if you have had gestational diabetes you continue to exercise and eat a healthy diet after pregnancy to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes.
Further information
Diabetes UK: After the birth
- Advice on what to expect after giving birth with diabetes.
If you have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy you will :
- Be invited to a "Gestational diabetes - care after childbirth' education session. It is important to attend this session.
- Need to attend appointments to get your blood glucose checked and assess your diabetes risk:
- At least 3 months postnatal – to make sure your blood glucose levels have returned to normal
- At least once a year blood glucose test after this – to detect prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
- Before future pregnancies – to rule out diabetes before becoming pregnant.
Further information
NHS Grampian: Gestational Diabetes leaflet
- Includes information on what happens after you have given birth with gestational diabetes (pages 5-6).
Prevent the progress of diabetes