Gestational Diabetes

Introduction 

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. Diabetes is a common condition in which the body is unable to use the glucose in the blood for energy as effectively as usual. This is because the body isn't making enough of the hormone insulin, or the insulin isn't working properly. Insulin moves glucose from the blood into the body's cells where it can be used by the body for energy. This information sheet should be read in conjunction with the Healthy Eating for Gestational Diabetes information sheet.

From 5 to 8% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. It is at this time that special blood tests are carried out, except for those women at high risk who may be tested earlier.

In this Section

• Who is at increased risk of gestational diabetes?
• How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
• What causes gestational diabetes?
• How will diabetes affect my baby?
• How is gestational diabetes treated?
• What happens after my baby is born?

How can I access this information?

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