Gestational Diabetes

Evidence 

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/incidence-of-gestational-diabetes-in-australia/contents/outcomes 

Gestational diabetes is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and child both during pregnancy and birth and in the longer-term. 

The AIHW’s Diabetes in pregnancy 2014–15 report found that compared to women with no diabetes, women with gestational diabetes had higher rates of caesarean section, induced labour, pre-existing and gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Longer antenatal and postnatal stays in hospital were also experienced by these women. The report also found higher rates of complications (pre-term birth, resuscitation, special care nursery/neonatal intensive care unit admission and longer hospital stay) for babies of mothers with gestational diabetes than babies of mothers with no diabetes (AIHW 2019). 

Longer-term consequences of gestational diabetes to the mother include a significantly increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes are also at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity in later life (Kampmann et al. 2015). 

Education 

Gestational diabetes mellitus (sometimes referred to as GDM) is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. 

Women with gestational diabetes can still have a healthy baby but it is important that gestational diabetes is managed to reduce the risk of developing complications during pregnancy.    

Gestational diabetes will not lead to your baby being born with diabetes, however, can increase the risk of your baby developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy. Most women with gestational diabetes will no longer have diabetes after the baby is born. However, some women will continue to have high blood glucose levels after delivery and might develop type 2 diabetes in the future. 

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed? 

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This is done at a pathology lab. You will need to fast overnight before having this test. 

Blood will be taken to check your fasting blood glucose level. After this, you will be given a sugary drink and have your blood tested one and two hours later. You will be asked to sit and wait between tests. If your blood glucose level is above the normal range at your fasting, one- or two-hour test, you have gestational diabetes. 

What to do after being diagnosed? 

For many women, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be upsetting. However, it is important to remember that the majority of women with gestational diabetes have a healthy pregnancy, normal delivery and a healthy baby. The treatment is a healthy eating plan, regular physical activity and monitoring and maintaining blood glucose levels in the target range while you are pregnant. Read more about managing gestational diabetes. 

Managing diabetes is a team effort involving the woman, her family and health professionals. Some of the health professionals that may form part of the diabetes health care team include endocrinologists, obstetricians, credentialled diabetes educators, accredited practising dietitians, accredited exercise physiologists, GPs and midwives. 

Empowerment 

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes may come as a shock. Your first reactions may be disbelief, sadness, anger or self-blame. It is common to feel a mixture of emotions. You may feel uncertain or concerned about how gestational diabetes will affect the health of your baby.  

You may feel overwhelmed by the extra appointments, all the information you receive, and new skills needed to manage your gestational diabetes. Some women also feel anxious about their blood glucose levels. Getting the right information and support you need to manage gestational diabetes can help. There are many different risk factors for gestational diabetes, so it’s important to know that getting gestational diabetes is not your fault. Remember too, that with well-managed gestational diabetes, most women will go on to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. 

If you are having problems coping with the diagnosis of gestational diabetes or feeling anxious, worried or overwhelmed, your health professionals can advise you about support services available to you locally. 

Useful Links 

Diabetes Australia 

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/ 

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)  

https://www.ndss.com.au/about-diabetes/gestational-diabetes/ 

The Royal Womans Hospital, Victoria 

https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/pregnancy-and-birth/pregnancy-problems/pregnancy-problems-in-later-pregnancy/gestational-diabetes