Gestational diabetes (GDM) is diabetes that appears for the first time during pregnancy.
It affects roughly 1 in 5 pregnancies in India — one of the highest rates in the world. Most cases resolve after the baby is born. But it needs careful management during pregnancy and follow-up afterwards.
Why it happens
Pregnancy hormones make the body more resistant to insulin (this is normal — it helps deliver glucose to the growing baby). For some women, the pancreas cannot keep up with the extra demand, and blood sugar rises.
Screening and diagnosis
In India, the DIPSI test is standard — a 75g glucose drink with a single 2-hour blood draw, usually done between 24-28 weeks. Diagnosis if 2-hour value is ≥ 140 mg/dL.
High-risk women (family history, previous GDM, obesity, PCOS) may be screened earlier.
Managing it through pregnancy
- Diet first — smaller more frequent meals, low GI carbs, lots of vegetables
- Daily walking
- Home glucose monitoring — fasting and 1-hour post-meal
- Insulin if diet alone is not enough (oral medications are usually avoided)
- More frequent ultrasounds to check baby's growth
After delivery
Blood sugar usually returns to normal within a few days. But: 50% of women with GDM develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Get screened with HbA1c yearly. Breastfeeding lowers your future Type 2 risk by about 15%. Healthy weight, exercise, and diet matter more for you than for the average person.
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