Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born – but it’s still important to take it seriously.
Having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. This guide explains what gestational diabetes is, how it affects you and your baby, and what steps you can take to reduce future health risks.
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin to handle the extra needs during pregnancy. This leads to high blood sugar levels (also called glucose).
- It usually develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- It often has no symptoms, which is why blood sugar tests are part of routine antenatal care.
Who is at higher risk of gestational diabetes?
You’re more likely to get gestational diabetes if you:
- Had it in a previous pregnancy
- Have a BMI over 30
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are of South Asian, Black, or Middle Eastern heritage
- Have had a baby weighing more than 4.5kg (10lbs)
How can gestational diabetes affect you and your baby?
With the right care, most people with gestational diabetes have healthy pregnancies. But if blood sugar is not well controlled, it can cause problems such as:
For the baby:
- Growing too big (macrosomia), which may lead to delivery complications
- Low blood sugar after birth
- Higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life
For the mother:
- High blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
- Need for induced labour or caesarean section
- Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future
Does gestational diabetes go away?
For most people, blood sugar levels return to normal after birth.
You’ll be offered a blood sugar test 6-13 weeks after the baby is born to check this.
However, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later is up to 7 times higher.
Why does gestational diabetes increase the risk of type 2 diabetes?
During pregnancy, hormones from the placenta make it harder for insulin to work properly. This is called insulin resistance.
If your body already has some difficulty making or using insulin effectively, this can reveal a hidden problem.
After pregnancy, insulin resistance may continue or return over time, especially if other risk factors like weight, genetics, or inactivity are present.
That’s why gestational diabetes is seen as an early warning sign that your body may develop type 2 diabetes in the future.
How to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes later on
- Have regular health checks
- After pregnancy, you should have an HbA1c or fasting blood glucose test every year.
- Your GP can arrange this as part of your diabetes prevention care.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Losing even a small amount of weight can reduce your risk.
- Talk to your GP or practice nurse about weight loss support if needed.
- Eat a balanced diet
- Focus on whole foods: vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Cut down on sugary snacks and processed foods.
- If you’d like to understand more, you can explore our article on what makes up a healthy diet for further nutrition tips.
- Stay active
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week (like brisk walking or swimming).
- Small changes count: walking to school, dancing, or taking the stairs.
- Breastfeed if you can
- Breastfeeding helps balance your blood sugar and may reduce the risk of future diabetes. Please find further support and resources via the GP Infant Feeding Network.
- Get support
- You may be referred to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP).
- This includes group sessions to support healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle habits.
What about future pregnancies?
If you’ve had gestational diabetes once, you’re more likely to get it again. In future pregnancies:
- Let your midwife know your history.
- You’ll be tested early (between 16-18 weeks) and again at 24-28 weeks if needed.
- The same diet, lifestyle, and monitoring advice will apply.
Support from the NHS and Diabetes UK
- Antenatal teams and diabetes specialists support you throughout pregnancy.
- Your GP and practice nurse will offer follow-up checks after birth.
- Diabetes UK provides information and emotional support for parents.
Key takeaways
- Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but it raises your risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Regular check-ups, healthy eating, physical activity, and support make a big difference.
- Taking small steps now helps protect your long-term health – and your family’s too.
You are the most important person in your future health. With the right care and support, you can take charge of your wellbeing after gestational diabetes.
Take control of your health after gestational diabetes
After gestational diabetes, taking proactive steps to protect your long-term health is crucial. Monitoring your health is one of the most powerful steps you can take – and the Evergreen Life app is here to support you.
In the app, you can self-enter your HbA1c and blood sugar measurements, and stay on top of your healthcare appointments, all in one place. You can also explore questionnaires on wellness topics like nutrition, fitness and hydration to support you with your overall health.
✅ If you haven’t already, download the free Evergreen Life app to track your health, and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- NHS – Gestational Diabetes Overview
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/complications/gestational-diabetes/
Explains what gestational diabetes is, how it’s diagnosed, how it affects pregnancy, and what happens after birth. - Diabetes UK – Gestational Diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/gestational-diabetes
Offers comprehensive support on managing gestational diabetes and the increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later. - NICE – Diabetes in Pregnancy: Management from Preconception to the Postnatal Period (NG3)
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng3
Clinical guideline covering screening, diagnosis, and long-term follow-up for women with gestational diabetes. - NHS – Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/risk-types/gestational-diabetes-and-type-2-diabetes/
Focuses on why the risk of type 2 diabetes increases after gestational diabetes and steps to reduce that risk. - NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP)
https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/
Describes the NHS lifestyle support programme for those at risk of type 2 diabetes, including those with a history of gestational diabetes.
