Does gestational diabetes go away after pregnancy?

In most cases, blood sugar returns to normal after delivery. However, women who had GDM have a 50% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years. Regular postpartum screening is essential.

Can gestational diabetes harm my baby?

If poorly controlled, GDM can cause excessive fetal growth, birth complications, and neonatal low blood sugar. With good blood sugar control, most babies are born healthy.

Will I need insulin for gestational diabetes?

Many women manage GDM with diet and exercise alone. About 10–20% require insulin. The need for insulin simply means your body needs extra support managing blood sugar during pregnancy.

EndocrineICD-10: O24.4Affects approximately 2–10% of pregnancies in the United States

Gestational Diabetes

Also known as: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, GDM

Gestational diabetes is a form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before. It typically develops in the second or third trimester when placental hormones interfere with insulin action. With proper management, most women have healthy pregnancies, but it increases the future risk of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic (detected through routine screening)

Increased thirst

Frequent urination

Fatigue

Nausea

Blurred vision

Frequent infections

Causes

Insulin resistance caused by placental hormones
Inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to overcome resistance
Genetic predisposition to insulin resistance

Risk Factors

Overweight or obesity before pregnancy (BMI ≥25)
Age over 25
Family history of type 2 diabetes
Previous gestational diabetes
Polycystic ovary syndrome
African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent

Diagnosis

Glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for confirmation
Early screening for high-risk women at the first prenatal visit
Hemoglobin A1c to detect pre-existing diabetes

Treatment

Medical nutrition therapy with controlled carbohydrate intake
Regular physical activity as recommended by your provider
Blood glucose self-monitoring (fasting and post-meal levels)
Insulin therapy if diet and exercise do not achieve targets
Metformin or glyburide as alternatives in some cases
Increased fetal monitoring and delivery planning

Prevention

Achieve a healthy weight before pregnancy
Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Exercise regularly before and during pregnancy

When to See a Doctor

You are pregnant and have risk factors for gestational diabetes
Routine screening tests show elevated blood sugar
You experience increased thirst, urination, or fatigue during pregnancy
You had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

High Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular

Infertility

Reproductive

Hypothyroidism

Endocrine

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