Diabetes in pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth.

It can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but is more common in the second or third trimester.

It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin – a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels – to meet your extra needs in pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes can cause problems for you and your baby during pregnancy and after birth. But the risks can be reduced if the condition is detected early and well managed.

• Gestational Diabetes UK
• Gestational Diabetes – causes and symptoms
• Free guide to Gestational Diabetes
• RCOG GDM Information Leaflet
• GDM Patient Information Leaflet

Testing your blood sugar at home

For support using the GdmHealth app, visit the Help Centre and FAQ page on their website.

You can find further support and useful guides here.

Using the GDMHealth App

Dietary advice for gestational diabetes

• Gestational Diabetes Diet Sheet
• Carbohydrate snacks of 10g or less
• What can I eat with Gestational Diabetes? – Diabetes UK
• For information on MoreLife – a local weight management service for those living in Milton Keynes or Bedfordshire – click here.

Patient information leaflets

• A guide to starting insulin
• Expressing colostrum antenatally

After birth (postnatally)

Due to your high risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes in the future (50-80% in 5-10 years after having had Gestational Diabetes!) we recommend the following:

1. To book a fasting glucose blood test via your GP at 6-8 weeks OR HbA1c blood test (non-fasting) between 3-6 months after birth
2. Ongoing diabetes screening with your GP every year
3. You can ask your GP to refer you to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, click here for further information

Further information and support

Diabetes Specialist Midwives: 01908 995 388 / 07917 173 208

You can contact the team, Monday to Friday between 0900 – 1700hrs.

Further information about gestational diabetes