In my clinic, I often meet moms who walk in with a worried face and a Google printout. The bold heading always says: gestational diabetes.
I get it. The word diabetes alone is enough to cause panic, and when you add pregnancy to the mix, the anxiety doubles. I remember one of my first-time moms, a software engineer from Bangalore, who cried right after her glucose test. “Did I already harm my baby?” she whispered.
Here’s the thing, gestational diabetes is more common than most women realise. But common doesn’t mean casual. It deserves attention, not fear.
Let me walk you through 7 clear truths I share with every expecting mother who comes to me with this diagnosis.
1. Gestational diabetes is not your fault
This is the first thing I want you to know, and believe. Gestational diabetes isn’t caused by eating sweets or being lazy. It’s largely driven by hormones from the placenta that interfere with insulin, especially in the second and third trimester.
Yes, lifestyle plays a role, but even healthy, active women can get it. Blame? Not helpful. Awareness? Always helpful.
2. India has higher rates, and we need to talk about it
Indian women are more genetically prone to insulin resistance. Combine that with our carb-rich diets (hello, rice and roti), and we’re at higher risk. One study even showed that nearly 1 in 5 Indian pregnancies face some form of pregnancy diabetes.
That’s why early testing is crucial, and why I always recommend a glucose test in the first trimester itself if you’ve had PCOS, a family history of diabetes, or a previous GDM diagnosis.
If you’re navigating early pregnancy, my piece on cramps during pregnancy may also offer some clarity.
3. It often has no symptoms at all
Unlike type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes symptoms can be silent. Some women feel more tired than usual, others have increased thirst or frequent urination, but honestly, those are normal pregnancy signs too.
This is why we don’t wait for signs. The glucose test in pregnancy, usually the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test), is done around 24 to 28 weeks.
You can learn more about prenatal wellness through this guide on prenatal yoga.
4. A diagnosis doesn’t mean danger, it means a new plan
When I was pregnant with Shriya, I didn’t have GDM. But when I had Sreyansh at 34, my sugar levels were borderline.
I remember feeling defeated. As a doctor, I “knew better,” right? But even I had to remind myself, it’s not about guilt, it’s about taking charge. A diagnosis means we tweak your diet, monitor sugar levels, and keep your baby safe. That’s it.
5. Food is your medicine, but don’t over-restrict
Once diagnosed, many moms panic and stop eating carbs altogether. Please don’t. You and your baby still need energy, just with balance.
Here’s a simple framework I often suggest:
| Meal Time | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Protein + slow carbs (eggs + oats) |
| Lunch | 1 katori rice + sabzi + dal + curd |
| Snack | Roasted chana or a boiled egg |
| Dinner | 2 phulkas + sabzi + light soup |
Pairing carbs with protein or fibre slows down sugar spikes. Keep ghee in the diet. Skip fruit juices. Avoid long gaps between meals.
For deeper guidance, here’s a helpful GDM diet plan from Mayo Clinic.
You can also refer to the WebMD page on gestational diabetes for another simple breakdown.
6. Medication is sometimes necessary, and totally safe
If sugar levels remain high despite lifestyle changes, you may need insulin or tablets. This doesn’t mean you failed. It means your body needs extra support.
In India, GDM treatment includes metformin or insulin, both of which are safe in pregnancy. Your doctor will decide based on your blood sugar profile, not on fear.
For reassurance, the WHO guidelines on GDM outline global best practices that Indian protocols often follow.
7. It usually disappears after delivery, but stay watchful
Most women go back to normal sugar levels after birth. But you’ll need a follow-up test 6 to 12 weeks later, and yearly checks thereafter.
Why? Because gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Here’s what I always say: if your body gave you this warning once, take it seriously. Use it as a nudge to stay active, eat clean, and prioritise your health, even after the baby arrives.
👉 You can also explore more of my articles at Bump & Beyond segment.
Final thoughts from my clinic desk
Just last week, a mom who’d been diagnosed with GDM in her second trimester came in with tears of relief. Her baby was healthy, her sugars were under control, and she said, “I didn’t think I could do this. But now I know I can.”
And that’s what I want for you too. To know that gestational diabetes isn’t a sentence. It’s just a signal. One that tells you to pay attention, not panic.
You’re doing beautifully. And you’re not alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes is primarily caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that affect how your body uses insulin. The placenta produces hormones that can block insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This makes it harder for your body to regulate glucose, especially in the second and third trimesters.
2. When should I get tested for gestational diabetes?
Most women are screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, if you have risk factors like PCOS or a family history of diabetes, your doctor might recommend early testing. The glucose tolerance test is simple and helps catch issues before complications arise.
3. Is gestational diabetes dangerous for my baby?
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can increase the risk of a large baby, early delivery, or low blood sugar in the newborn. But with the right care, most women have healthy pregnancies. Monitoring your sugar levels, eating mindfully, and following your doctor’s plan keeps you and your baby safe.
4. Can I still eat carbs if I have gestational diabetes?
Yes, you can and should eat carbs if you have gestational diabetes. The key is pairing them with protein and fibre to prevent sugar spikes. Whole grains, fruits, and pulses are better choices than sugary snacks. You are not eliminating carbs, just balancing them wisely for you and baby.
5. Will gestational diabetes go away after delivery?
In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, it does increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. That is why follow-up testing 6 to 12 weeks after delivery is essential, along with yearly checks to stay on top of your health.
Meet Dr. Sonia Iyer — a seasoned gynecologist, mom of two, and trusted voice for women navigating the beautiful chaos of pregnancy and early motherhood. With over 11 years of clinical experience and a deep understanding of real-life parenting, she brings clear, compassionate, and expert-backed advice to every blog she writes.
