GT
1
1
Moderate severity
· Gynaecology
Gestational Diabetes
High sugar in pregnancy · GDM
Sugar rises during pregnancy because placental hormones blunt insulin action. Untreated GDM causes large babies, birth complications and future diabetes.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1 in 5 Indian pregnancies
- Typical age
- Pregnancy (2nd–3rd trimester)
- Outlook
- Resolves after delivery, recur risk
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a verified Gynaecology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Family history of diabetes
- Obesity before pregnancy
- Previous large baby
- PCOS
- South Asian ethnicity
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Often silent
- Picked up on routine 24–28-week OGTT
- Excess thirst or urination if severe
- Large baby on ultrasound
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Carb-controlled diet planned by dietician
- Daily glucose monitoring
- Insulin if diet fails
- Foetal growth scans
- Re-test OGTT 6 weeks post-delivery
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Achieve healthy pre-pregnancy weight
- Walk daily through pregnancy
- Avoid sugary drinks
- Folic acid and prenatal care
Do’s
- Eat small, frequent low-GI meals
- Walk 15 min after each meal
- Test sugars 4× day
- Take insulin without fear — it doesn't cross to baby
Don’ts
- Skip the 24–28-week glucose test
- Eat fruit juice 'because it's natural'
- Stop insulin when sugar feels normal
- Ignore reduced foetal movements
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.