Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type  of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy  as a result of hormonal changes that block the action of the woman’s insulin. It is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia.

Women are tested for gestional diabetes at about  24-28 weeks but if they are in a high risk catagory then testing may occur ealier.

You dont have to have a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes.

A diagnsois can be very upsetting but the thing to remember is that it wasn't any thing you did or ate that caused it. Its not your fault. Most women will have a normal pregancy and normal delivery.

The good news is that  ffor the majority of women the diabetes goes away after baby is born. In a few women this may not happen and they will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. While diabetes goes away in most woemen after baby is born, having gestational diabetes is an indication that type 2 diabetes may develop later in life.

Women at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes include those who:

• have had GDM in a previous pregnancy
• have previously given birth to a large baby (weighing more than 4.5kg)
• have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• have previously had high blood glucose levels
• mother or sister who has had gestational diabetes
• older women especially aged over 40 years
• are above the healthy weight range for height
• have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• First Nations women
• women from  from  African, Chinese, Hispanic, Melanesian,   Middle Eastern, Polynesian, South Asian, Southeast Asian and South American backgrounds
• anti-psychotic or steroid medications.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A sugary drink is given after fasting overnight and blood glucose levels are taken before the drink and at 1 and 2 hours. If your blood glucose level is above the normal range it means you have gestational diabetes.

You will be given a lot of help and support as it is important to ensure you deliver a healthy weight baby. Management includes good nutrtion but a focus on the amount of carbohydtate eaten, exercise and blood glucose testing.

Credentialled diabetes educators are part of the team that will help support you. Other health professionals include endocrinologists, obstetricians, credentialled diabetes educators, accredited practising dietitians, accredited exercise physiologists, GPs and midwives.

We work with the team and teach you eveything you need to know regarding testing, exercise and diet. Some women may need medication (metformin) and/or insulin injections to help manage gestational diabetes. We teach insulin injection technique and advise on insulin andlevels that need adjusuting. 

Telehealth consults are great for Mums to be who are still working as we are one less person you need to take time off work to attend appointments in person for.

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