Gestational diabetes: Dispelling the myths

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy — and sometimes, those changes can impact your blood sugar levels.

According to the American Diabetes Association, up to 9% of pregnant women in the U.S. are affected by gestational diabetes, which is high blood sugar that only occurs during pregnancy. Without treatment, the condition can cause problems that impact you and your baby, such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and increased birth weight, as well as preterm birth, which can pose serious health risks for your baby. 

Rebekah Valthaty, MD, an OB/GYN with Atlantic Health, helps clear up some common myths about the condition. 

MYTH: If you develop gestational diabetes, you’ll have diabetes after pregnancy, too.

FACT: Gestational diabetes happens when hormones from your placenta prevent your body from using or making insulin, which causes blood sugar (glucose) levels to spike. Once hormone levels return to normal, the condition typically resolves. However, women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

MYTH: Gestational diabetes is caused by eating sugary foods.

FACT: Pregnant women don’t get diabetes from their eating habits. Several factors may contribute to having a higher risk, including a personal and family medical history and being age 35 or older during pregnancy. While it’s difficult to prevent gestational diabetes, maintaining good nutrition throughout pregnancy can reduce your risk.

MYTH: The condition only affects women who are overweight.

FACT: While being overweight is a risk factor, women of all sizes can be affected. Getting to a healthy weight before pregnancy and exercising regularly can help reduce your risk.

MYTH: Women with gestational diabetes will need a Cesarean section.

FACT: Your baby’s birth method will depend on several factors, including the baby’s position, size and potential complications. Most women with gestational diabetes can have safe, successful vaginal births. 

Diagnosing gestational diabetes

Two types of tests measure your body’s response to glucose to diagnose gestational diabetes: 

One-hour glucose test: Your blood sugar level is tested an hour after you drink a sugary beverage. Most women have this test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Three-hour glucose test: Your blood is tested up to three times in three hours after fasting and drinking a sugary beverage. Your provider may order this test if the results of your one-hour test fall outside the standard range.

“These tests give us important information to help manage your blood sugar during pregnancy if needed,” Dr. Valthaty explains. “Luckily, if you have gestational diabetes, you can have a healthy pregnancy through regular prenatal visits, blood sugar checks and some manageable lifestyle and nutrition adjustments.”