Gestational Diabetes - Warfighter Wellness

Who Is at Increased Risk?

Many factors influence the risk of gestational diabetes. Though these factors increase your risk, they are not a guarantee for developing the condition.

Gestational diabetes diagnosis with prior pregnancies.
Prior childbirth to a baby over 9 pounds.
Have overweight or obesity.
Family history of type 2 diabetes.
Live with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS; previously PCOS).
Certain ethnicity (African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander).

Can I Prevent Gestational Diabetes?

In preparation for and during pregnancy, engaging in healthy behaviors reduces your risk of developing gestational diabetes. About half of pregnant women diagnosed go on to develop type 2 diabetes after childbirth, so these behaviors also prevent a diabetes diagnosis after pregnancy. Reducing diabetes risk supports a healthy return to work after maternity leave, as well.

Stay active throughout the week

Eat whole and nutritious foods

Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep
in a 24-hour period

Manage stress and prioritize rest

Avoid substance use
(e.g., nicotine and alcohol)

Aim to lose excess weight if you have overweight or obesity

How Do I Know If I have Gestational Diabetes?

Your care team will conduct a glucose tolerance test (GTT) between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If results are higher than normal, your care team may repeat the test within 2-4 weeks.

1-hour Test

Consume a drink with 50g of glucose. Your blood glucose is taken one hour later to determine how your body responded. This test does not require you to be fasted before.

If blood glucose levels come back elevated, your care team will suggest a 3-hour test.

3-hour Test

Your blood glucose is taken before consuming the drink and at each hour mark for three hours after drinking it. This test requires you to be fasted. Key targets for the test include:

Fasted: <95 mg/dL
1-hour: <180 mg/dL
2-hour: <155 mg/dL
3-hour: <140 mg/dL

What Are the Increased Health Risks?

Mom

High blood pressure (i.e., preeclampsia).
Delivery by C-section due to a larger baby.
Increased or fluctuating blood glucose levels.
Development of type 2 diabetes after childbirth.

Baby

Miscarriage, stillbirth or early birth.
Breathing issues and/or low blood glucose levels right after birth.
Birth defects (if glucose levels were high at the beginning of pregnancy).
Obesity and possible development of type 2 diabetes.

How Do I Manage the Condition?

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, your care team will work with you to create a treatment plan that supports you and your baby. You may need to visit your doctor more frequently to ensure your glucose levels don’t pose additional risks. You will likely be instructed to regularly test your blood glucose levels using either a glucometer (i.e., finger stick) or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). If necessary, your care team may also prescribe medication to improve insulin’s effectiveness. Moving your body daily, eating healthy foods, getting quality sleep and stress management are all behaviors that support blood glucose control, as well.

As a mom-to-be, a gestational diabetes diagnosis may feel overwhelming and scary. Building a support network and trustworthy care team can make all the difference. In addition to incorporating lifestyle behaviors that support the healthy development of your baby, work closely with your care team to manage your condition so you’re fit for service.