Gestational Diabetes: What You Need to Know

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that starts during pregnancy. It affects how your body uses glucose and can change pregnancy care. Many people feel fine, so screening is key. With the right plan most pregnancies go well. This guide gives clear steps to spotting and managing gestational diabetes.

Testing and Targets

Screening usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks. Your provider may use a one-step or two-step test to check how your body handles sugar. If you are diagnosed, common blood sugar targets are fasting under 95 mg/dL, one-hour after meals under 140 mg/dL, and two-hour under 120 mg/dL. Your team will show you how to test at home with a fingerstick meter. Keep a short log of readings to share at appointments.

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Start with simple steps you can use every day. Focus on real food: vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. Split meals into three smaller meals and two snacks to keep sugars steady. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, like brisk walking. Check your blood sugar as instructed and track trends.

If diet and movement do not keep numbers in range, medication may be needed. Insulin is the safest and most studied option in pregnancy. Some providers also use metformin for certain people. Your provider will explain dosing and how to give insulin if needed. Medication decisions depend on exact readings and personal health.

Keep regular appointments. Your care team will monitor fetal growth, watch blood pressure, and check urine for protein. You may have extra ultrasounds to track baby size. Larger babies can mean a planned delivery approach to reduce risks. Near term, your team will plan timing and method of delivery based on your situation.

After birth, most people’s blood sugar returns to normal. You will have a glucose test at six to twelve weeks postpartum to confirm. If your test is abnormal, you may have ongoing type 2 diabetes risk. Early steps after delivery lower risk: breastfeed if possible, stay active, and aim for a healthy weight. Talk to your provider about follow-up and future pregnancy planning.

Practical tips make day to day easier. Use a meal plate with vegetables filling half, protein a quarter, and carbs a quarter. Carry healthy snacks like nuts or yogurt to avoid spikes. Apps can remind you to test and record meals. Bring your glucose log to every visit and ask specific questions about targets and medicines.

If you notice very high readings, sudden swelling, severe headaches, vision changes, or decreased baby movement, contact your provider right away. These can signal problems that need fast attention. With careful testing, realistic daily habits, and teamwork with your provider, you can manage gestational diabetes and support a healthy pregnancy.

Ask your team for a diabetes educator and a visit with a dietitian. Many hospitals run free classes to teach carb counting and insulin shots. Bring your meter to the hospital and review medication plans before labor so staff know your targets too.