Gestational diabetes

Updated: 2023-11-18

Description

A condition that causes high blood sugar during pregnancy.

Overview

Gestational diabetes is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Like other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes affects how the body's cells use sugar, which also is called glucose. In people who have gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to its typical level soon after the baby is born.

Symptoms

Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms, although being thirstier than usual and having more-frequent urination are possible symptoms.

Treatments

Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular physical activity. Checking blood sugar often to make sure it stays within a healthy range is key to managing gestational diabetes. If diet and exercise aren't enough, insulin injections may be needed. Close monitoring of the baby also is important.