Gestational Diabetes (GD)

Managing Diabetes During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you can develop high blood glucose levels, known as gestational diabetes.1

Gestational diabetes is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels. It affects between 5 to 10% of pregnant women in Australia1 and requires careful management to prevent complications for both mother and baby.

Causes of Gestational Diabetes

The exact cause of gestational diabetes remains unclear. However, one known factor is insulin resistance - a condition where hormones released by the placenta prevent insulin from functioning properly in the mother's body.2 If the body cannot produce enough insulin to compensate, blood sugar levels rise, leading to gestational diabetes.

Insulin is essential for converting sugar from the bloodstream into energy. Without enough insulin, excess sugar remains in the blood, resulting in hyperglycaemia.3

Pregnant woman
Healthy eating during pregnancy

Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

Good nutrition plays an important role in managing gestational diabetes.

Carbohydrates have the greatest impact on blood glucose levels. Understanding carbohydrate types and portion sizes is key to maintaining stable blood glucose.1

Choose whole foods over processed foods, which often contain added sugars and empty calories. Prioritise fresh vegetables and high-fibre foods.4

Keep track of your carbohydrate intake and monitor your blood glucose levels regularly to help your healthcare team tailor your meal plan and treatment.4

Exercise and Lifestyle

Regular physical activity supports healthy blood glucose management during pregnancy. The Australian Government Department of Health recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days, including brisk walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.5

Exercise helps regulate blood glucose, improves insulin sensitivity, and benefits overall pregnancy health.6

Consult your doctor before making changes to your exercise routine, particularly if taking medication for diabetes management.

Newborn
Mother with her child

Effects on You as a Mother

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after pregnancy, but women who have had it once have a higher likelihood of developing it in future pregnancies.3

Additionally, gestational diabetes can increase the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes. Around 50% of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes later develop type 2 diabetes.1

Effects on Your Baby

Gestational diabetes must be treated in order to avoid negative consequences for you and your baby.

Excess sugar from the mother’s bloodstream is transferred to the baby, potentially leading to Large-for-Gestational Age (LGA), a condition where the baby is significantly larger than average.7

Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) at birth, breathing difficulties, and a higher risk of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.1

Newborn
Staying active

Managing Gestational Diabetes

Following medical advice and early initiation of treatment is essential. The goal is to maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range, comparable to those of pregnant women without diabetes.

Some management strategies include:

  • Diet and exercise tailored to individual needs
  • Blood glucose monitoring throughout the day
  • Medication or insulin therapy, if necessary

Successful diabetes management may help reduce the risk of requiring a caesarean section, which may be necessary if the baby grows too large.8

Monitoring Blood Sugar and Avoiding Hypoglycaemia

Maintaining blood glucose through regular blood glucose readings can help prevent complications. Most women use a blood glucose meter which measures glucose levels in a small drop of blood from a finger prick. Your healthcare provider can help set your individual target blood glucose range.1

To reduce the risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) during exercise5:

  • Choose moderate-intensity activities to keep blood sugar stable.
  • If you’re taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, also monitor your blood sugar before and after exercise.
  • Consult your doctor about the best exercise routine for you.

For more information and personalised support, reach out to your healthcare professional or visit Diabetes Australia at www.diabetesaustralia.com.au for local resources.

References:

  1. Diabetes Australia: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/ . Accessed May 2025
  2. International Diabetes Federation: https://idf.org/about-diabetes/types-of-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/ . Accessed May 2025
  3. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gestational-diabetes . Accessed May 2025
  4. Diabetes Australia – Healthy Eating for GD: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/gestational-diabetes-diet . Accessed May 2025
  5. Diabetes Australia – Safe Exercise for GD: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/gestational-diabetes-exercise/ . Accessed May 2025
  6. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners: https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2018/july/gestational-diabetes-mellitus . Accessed May 2025
  7. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Gestational-Diabetes.pdf . Accessed May 2025
  8. RANZCOG 07/2019: https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Gestational-Diabetes.pdf