Gestational Diabetes: What it Means for Your Pregnancy

Emma Hodzic
May 25
3 min read

Your doctor informed you that you have gestational diabetes. What’s next? Well, let’s begin by understanding what precisely gestational diabetes means. Gestational (pregnancy) diabetes develops when the placenta produces hormones that interfere with the mother’s insulin. As the baby grows, the glucose (sugar) demands are greater. The mother’s pancreas typically would compensate for this, but in some cases, it doesn't make enough, leading to gestational diabetes.

Treating Gestational Diabetes

Around 24-48 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider will order you to get lab work and take a glucose test. Together, these tests will provide your doctor with information to make an informed diagnosis. Depending on the results will determine the extent of the insulin resistance in your body and how your provider will treat gestational diabetes. Some women can get away with managing their diabetes through diet modifications. However, the more insulin-resistant you are, the greater the chance you’ll need additional support through medication.

Insulin is the first line of treatment after altering your diet. Although, in some cases, metformin is used, depending on the patient and if lifestyle changes aren’t working. If you are already a diabetic, your endocrinologist will adjust your insulin as needed. Further, no matter the degree of your gestational diabetes, your provider may refer you to a dietitian to teach you the best ways to control your diet.

What is Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by turning the food you eat into absorbable energy for your body's cells. Although this hormone is naturally present in the human body, people with diabetes need to supplement it with injectable synthetic insulin.

How to Inject Insulin

Some people may be squeamish around needles. However, your healthcare provider will explain everything you need to know so you can feel confident injecting insulin independently at home. Your provider will tell you the specific dose and when to administer the insulin. They will also thoroughly give step-by-step instructions on how to inject it safely, depending on the type of syringe and the insulin itself.

A commonly asked question is, “Is it safe to inject insulin in the stomach when pregnant?” The answer is yes. The needle is not long enough to reach the baby and has enough cushion from the uterus, fat, and skin tissue to protect it.

You want to inject insulin into the fatty layer of the skin. The best areas for absorption are the belly, back of the upper arms, front of the upper thighs, or buttocks.

Checking Your Blood Sugar

Your healthcare provider will prescribe a glucometer to check your blood sugar throughout the day. It is best to test four times daily: when you first wake up (without eating or drinking anything beforehand) and roughly two hours after each meal. The target blood sugar reading first thing in the morning is between 90 and 95mg/dL; after meals, it should be between 70 and 120mg/dL.

It’s important to test your blood sugar if you start to feel unusual. If your blood sugar readings are out of the normal range, reach out to your healthcare provider. They will provide clear guidelines on what to do if you experience abnormal readings or symptoms. Additionally, you will likely be asked to keep a log of your blood sugar levels. This will help your provider adjust your insulin dosage as necessary.

Low Blood Sugar Signs and Symptoms

Pale
Shakiness
Headache
Nausea
Headache
Irregular or fast heartbeat
Irritability/anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Lightheadedness/dizziness
Tingling in the lips, cheeks, or tongue
Confusion
Loss of coordination
Sleered speech
Blurry or tunnel vision
Loss of consciousness
Seizures

High Blood Sugar Signs and Symptoms

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Feeling weak or tired
Fruity-smelling breath
Dry mouth
Abdominal pain
Short of breath
Confusion
Loss of consciousness

Final Remarks

To maintain a healthy pregnancy, blood sugar levels must be controlled to prevent harmful risks to the mother and baby. Which is why your healthcare team will monitor you closely, especially during your second and third trimester. Being labeled as a gestational diabetic will involve additional ultrasounds and non-stress testing compared to a normal pregnancy.

Keep in mind that after delivering your baby, you are now more likely to develop diabetes or become insulin-dependent later in life. Gestational diabetes can be daunting, but with the support of your healthcare team, you can manage your diabetes while enjoying your pregnancy.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Insulin. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22601-insulin
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Nonstress test. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24253-nonstress-test
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Gestational diabetes. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/gestational-diabetes
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Glucose challenge test. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/glucose-challenge-test/about/pac-20394277
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Hypoglycemia - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Hyperglycemia - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
MedlinePlus. (2024). Gestational diabetes - Self-care. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000660.htm
NewYork-Presbyterian. (2024). Insulin injection areas for gestational diabetes. http://nyp.org/healthlibrary/multimedia/insulin-injection-areas-for-gestational-diabetes

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