New Delhi, 23 May 2025: Diabetes during pregnancy, especially gestational diabetes, is more common than many people realise. It can pose significant health risks to both the mother and the baby if left unmanaged. With the right care, however, most women with diabetes can experience a healthy pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
In this article, we will explore how diabetes can affect pregnancy, the possible complications, warning signs to watch for, and how expecting mothers can protect themselves and their babies.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who didn’t previously have diabetes. It usually appears around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy and affects how your body uses sugar (glucose).
This condition occurs when pregnancy hormones interfere with the insulin your body uses to manage blood sugar levels, resulting in elevated glucose levels in the blood.
Can Diabetes During Pregnancy Harm Your Baby?
Yes. Uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the developing baby.
Risks to the Baby Include
Macrosomia (excessive birth weight): High blood sugar in the mother can cause the baby to grow larger than average, which may lead to complications during delivery.
- Preterm birth: High glucose levels increase the risk of early labor.
- Respiratory distress syndrome: Babies born early may have underdeveloped lungs.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): After birth, babies may experience sudden drops in blood sugar.
Increased risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life: Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may be more prone to obesity and diabetes in the future.
- Stillbirth or miscarriage in severe, unmanaged cases.
- Risks to the Mother
- Diabetes not only affects the baby but can also have consequences for the mother. These may include:
- High blood pressure and preeclampsia: A serious condition that can threaten both the mother’s and the baby’s lives.
- Increased risk of cesarean delivery (C-section): Due to a larger baby size.
- Future diabetes risk: Women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Pregnant women with diabetes are more prone to infections.
Warning Signs of Diabetes During Pregnancy
Gestational diabetes can sometimes be asymptomatic, but some signs to watch out for include:
- Unusual thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Sugar in urine (detected during routine check-ups)
If you notice these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for a glucose tolerance test, which is typically done in the second trimester to detect gestational diabetes.
Who Is at Risk of Gestational Diabetes?
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Are over the age of 25
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Are overweight or obese
- Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Previously gave birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg (9 pounds)
- Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
How to Manage Diabetes During Pregnancy
If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your doctor will guide you through a treatment plan. Management usually involves:
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential. This helps ensure they remain within the safe range recommended by your doctor.
- Healthy Eating Habits: Follow a balanced diet with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fibre. Limit sugar intake and avoid refined carbs. Small, frequent meals can help keep blood sugar stable.
- Regular Exercise: Light physical activity like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine during pregnancy.
- Medication or Insulin: In some cases, lifestyle changes may not be enough. Your doctor may prescribe insulin injections or oral medications to manage your blood sugar effectively.
What Happens After Delivery?
In most cases, gestational diabetes resolves after childbirth. However, women who have had it are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later. Your healthcare provider will check your blood sugar levels post-delivery and recommend periodic screenings.
Breastfeeding is also encouraged, as it can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote bonding with your baby.
Precautionary Tips to Stay Safe
Attend all prenatal appointments and follow your doctor’s advice
- Monitor your blood sugar as advised
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet tailored for gestational diabetes
- Get regular gentle exercise
- Take medications or insulin only as prescribed
- Educate yourself about warning signs and act early
Diabetes during pregnancy can be scary, but with the right medical guidance, monitoring, and lifestyle changes, most women deliver healthy babies without complications. Early detection and active management are the keys to reducing risk.
If you are pregnant or planning to conceive and have a history of diabetes or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about screening, prevention, and management strategies. Your health and your baby’s future depend on it.
