WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Gestational Diabetes 101

Pregnancy
Pregnancy health
Gestational Diabetes 101
Navigating pregnancy can be both joyful and challenging.
Among these challenges is a condition known as gestational diabetes.
It's a journey you might not have planned for, but with the right knowledge and care, you can manage it effectively for the health of both you and your baby.
Key Facts
Many women experience gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
It occurs when pregnancy hormones affect the body's ability to use insulin effectively. Understanding this condition is the first step to ensuring a healthy pregnancy journey.
What, Why, How?
Gestational diabetes might sound daunting, but knowledge is your best ally.
Here’s what you need to know:
  • What? It's a temporary condition where blood sugar levels become high during pregnancy.
  • Why? Pregnancy hormones can interfere with insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Anti-insulin factors produced by the placenta and high maternal cortisol levels create increased peripheral insulin resistance, leading to GDM and/or exacerbating pre-existing DM.
  • How? Regular screening, diet, exercise, and possibly insulin can help manage it.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will guide you through tests to diagnose gestational diabetes, typically between weeks 24 and 28.
These might include:
  • Glucose Screening Test: A simple initial blood test.
  • Glucose Tolerance Test: Follow-up testing if initial results are high.
Management and Treatment
Here are some effective ways to manage gestational diabetes:
Dietary Adjustments:
Regular Exercise:
Blood Sugar Monitoring:
Medication:
Q&As
Can gestational diabetes affect my baby?
Will I have diabetes after my baby is born?
Is gestational diabetes my fault?
Remember, gestational diabetes is manageable.
With the right care and support, you can maintain a healthy pregnancy. We're here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Related content
Nutritional Strategies for Managing Gestational Diabetes
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Exercise Essentials: Safe Moves for Gestational Diabetes
3 min read
Navigating Pregnancy with Pre-Existing Diabetes
2 min read
J
Joanna
15 Jan 2024

Has anyone ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes in month 9 and put on insulin?

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
J
Joevena
i got put on insulin at 31 weeks. But only at night because my blood sugar is high in the morning. During the day I just eat keto stuff and food that doesn't spike up my sugar
27 Mar 2024

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Kineka
I just got put on insulin 3 times a day at 31 weeks😫
27 Mar 2024

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Ashley
7 Sep 2023

Hello y’all , 😩 so I had my baby on March 31st 2023 with that pregnancy I had gestational diabetes! I recently found out I’m pregnant again 😮‍💨 what are the chances I’ll have gestational diabetes with this new pregnancy? I’m currently 5 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
5 comments
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Xena
It varies, no matter what pregnancy there is a chance but it cant be decided until 27-29 weeks along. I haven't had gestational diabetes, but I controlled my eating and ate a lower carb diet and was still able to satisfy my cravings.
27 Mar 2024

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Cierra
Well I had it with my second child but I’m pregnant not within a year apart and I don’t have it so far I’m ten weeks
27 Mar 2024

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Zabrina
16 Aug 2023

I'm 26 weeks and just found out i have gestational diabetes, any tips or advice?

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
7 comments
T
Taylor R
Did you have any symptoms before finding out? My glucose test will be coming up soon and I’m worried
27 Mar 2024

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Z
Zabrina
I had no idea until my doctor called me ... I failed by 3 points
27 Mar 2024

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Jané
24 Jul 2023

Can anything go right? Seems like I have gestational diabetes as well 😭😭 #cantwinforlosing

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
J
Joya
It’s ok Momma. I have it to and just did my 1st test tonight; I cried! Tbt it wasn’t that bad…I’m doing it for my girls just like you’re doing it for your sweet baby. Mom’s are the strongest and most selfless people ever! You’ll do whatever needs to be done! Gods got you and you’ve got this!!!😘❤️
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jané
I needed to hear that, thank you hun 🙏🏾
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angie rivera
12 Jul 2023

So what happens during gestational diabetes while pregnant 😩 first pregnancy need info 😔 #27weeks #girl

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
4 comments
C
Chelsea
currently going down this road. It's really scary and I'm sorry😩 my doctor says that it's basically just checking your own blood sugar 4x a day at the beginning for about a month and if it's always super high insulin will be needed but she also assured me that it will probably go away after pregnancy. I hope your anxiety isn't too bad and everything goes well Also, try your hardest to stay away from carbs as much as possible 🤗
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angie rivera
Chelsea thank you so much 🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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m
marie
12 Jun 2022

I’m 25 weeks and 2 days , I experience Gestational Diabetes any mommas going through the same thing ?

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
5 comments
C
CaLi GirL
yes, hi im 31wks 32 tomorrow and going through the same thing
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lizzy
Yea 28 weeks I just got my tings to test my blood etc
27 Mar 2024

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Phylesia
12 Jan 2022

Have anyone here been diagnosed with gestational diabetes? If so how was your experience.

Pregnancy Pregnancy health
2 comments
B
BrittRB
My last pregnancy i was, tbh sucked. Starting to wonder if it'll be same this round..
27 Mar 2024

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Amanda
I was diagnosed with this pregnancy I took the lil 2 hour class and then I did the poke of the finger for about 2 months everytime it was a green light so my doctor told me I don't have to do it anymore but I never felt any different
27 Mar 2024

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