Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is when there is too much glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Glucose is an important source of energy for our body, but we also need a hormone called insulin to convert glucose into energy.

Diabetes occurs when the body is either unable to make enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it does make to process glucose properly, resulting in too much glucose in the blood. High blood glucose levels can cause damage to our bodies in many ways. Without correct management, it can lead to serious health complications. There are three main types of diabetes:

  • type 1 diabetes

  • type 2 diabetes

  • gestational diabetes.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It’s the fastest-growing type of diabetes in Australia. Around 5-10% of pregnant women will develop the condition, usually around weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. Most of the time, blood sugar levels return to normal after your baby is born, and gestational diabetes disappears.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes (also called GDM – gestational diabetes mellitus) is caused by changing hormones during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant your body makes hormones to help your baby grow and develop. Sometimes these hormones block the action of insulin. This can make it harder for your body to process glucose, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels.

Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?

Some women are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include women who:

  • had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

  • are over 35 years old

  • have a family history of type 2 diabetes or a first-degree relative (mother or sister) who developed gestational diabetes

  • are overweight or gain too much weight in the first half of their pregnancy

  • are First Nations people

  • are from African, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, South American or some Asian backgrounds

  • have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • have previously had a large baby

  • take anti-psychotic or steroid medication.

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Generally, there are no symptoms of gestational diabetes. The condition is usually picked up during routine blood tests during pregnancy. If symptoms occur, they may include:

  • increased thirst

  • urinating more often than usual

  • fatigue.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?

All pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you are at higher risk of gestational diabetes, you may be tested earlier. To be tested for gestational diabetes you need to do an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This involves:

  • fasting for 10 hours (usually overnight so you miss breakfast)

  • having a blood test to check your fasting blood glucose level

  • drinking a glucose drink

  • having your blood tested at one and two hours after you finish the drink.

You will need to wait at the pathology lab until all your blood tests have been done.

You have gestational diabetes if your blood glucose levels are higher than what they should be at your fasting, one- or two-hour test.

Can gestational diabetes affect my baby?

If you have gestational diabetes, it’s important to manage it well as this greatly reduces the risk of complications. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to complications, including:

  • high blood pressure

  • miscarriage

  • premature birth

  • stillbirth

  • low blood sugar in your baby (hypoglycaemia) – this will be closely monitored

  • having a large baby, which increases the risk of injury during birth or the need to have a caesarean birth.

Gestational diabetes also means both you and your baby are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

How to manage gestational diabetes

There are many ways you can successfully manage gestational diabetes. Once you have been diagnosed, you may be referred to your local diabetes service. They will provide you with lots of information on how to manage your diabetes. Key things you can do include:

Eating a healthy diet

This will help keep your blood glucose levels in the recommended range. It will also help you maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy. If you need help, speak to a dietitian.

Getting regular exercise

Exercise is important to help reduce blood glucose levels as well helping prevent unwanted weight gain. But remember, you need to do exercises that are safe for you and your baby, no matter what stage of pregnancy you’re in. An accredited exercise physiologist can help you.

Monitoring your blood glucose

It’s important to monitor your blood glucose levels while pregnant. Your MediADVICE Pharmacist or diabetes educator can show you how to do this. It’s important to let your doctor know if your levels are too high or too low.

Taking medication

If changes to your diet and exercise levels haven’t been enough to keep your blood glucose levels in a healthy range, you may need to take medication or have insulin injections. Your MediADVICE Pharmacist will be able to show you how to use these injections correctly. Your doctor will advise you whether or not you will require medication.

When should you see your doctor?

It’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor during pregnancy, especially if you have gestational diabetes. Make it a priority to attend all your scheduled check-ups. You should also see your doctor if:

  • your blood glucose level is too high

  • your blood glucose level is too low – this can happen if you take medication to control your blood sugar

  • you develop symptoms of low blood glucose such as sweating, feeling shaky and weak, slight nausea, dizziness and headache, blurred vision or confusion

  • you become generally unwell.

Can you prevent gestational diabetes?

You can’t always prevent gestational diabetes. However, you can reduce your risk by adopting healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and starting pregnancy at a healthy weight.

If you’re planning to get pregnant and are overweight, it’s a good idea to lose some weight first. If you’re already pregnant and are overweight, focus on keeping your weight gain to a healthy range, rather than losing weight.

Avoiding too much weight gain in the first two trimesters will help reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Where can I receive support for managing gestational diabetes?

Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is accessible every day and will be able to support you through your gestational diabetes journey.

Your doctor may have also spoken to you about registering for the National Diabetes Services Scheme, this service helps diabetic patients manage their diabetes and provides affordable access to products that you will need.

NDSS have a helpline on 1800637700 for diabetic patients to speak to a healthcare professional for information, and advice and to find out what services for gestational diabetes are available in your area.

Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your gestational diabetes. We can help you manage it with a Diabetes Medication Review and provide advice on products to help you monitor your blood glucose levels. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.

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Sources

1Diabetes Australia, What is diabetes,https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/what-is-diabetes
2Diabetes Australia, Gestational diabetes,https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/
3Diabetes Australia, Gestational diabetes,https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/
4Pregnancy birth baby, Gestational diabetes,https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/gestational-diabetes
5Better Health Channel, Diabetes – gestational,https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-gestational
6Pregnancy birth baby, Gestational diabetes,https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/gestational-diabetes
7Mayo Clinic, Gestational diabetes,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339
8Diabetes Australia, Gestational diabetes,https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/
9Diabetes Australia, Managing gestational diabetes,https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/gestational/
10Diabetes Australia, Managing gestational diabetes,https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/gestational/
11Mayo Clinic, Gestational diabetes,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339

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Disclaimer

General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.