Surprised by a Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis? Here’s What You Need to Know

You’re doing your best to eat well, attend all your check-ups, and prepare for the arrival of your baby. Then, your doctor tells you that you have gestational diabetes, a condition you may not have expected, especially if you’ve never had diabetes before.

You’re not alone. Many women are caught off guard by this diagnosis, often because they feel fine or had no obvious symptoms. While it may feel overwhelming at first, gestational diabetes is manageable, and most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, located at Mount Alvernia Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, we support mothers-to-be with the knowledge and care they need to navigate gestational diabetes with confidence and peace of mind.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, when hormonal changes affect the way your body uses insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps your cells take in sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream for energy.

During pregnancy, your body naturally becomes more resistant to insulin. This ensures enough glucose stays in your blood to support your growing baby. But for some women, this resistance becomes too strong. The body can’t make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check, and that’s when gestational diabetes occurs.

GDM typically shows up in the second or third trimester, and it usually goes away after delivery. However, it requires attention and care throughout pregnancy to avoid complications for both mother and baby.

How Does It Affect Your Body and Your Baby?

Gestational diabetes doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms. That’s why testing—typically between weeks 24 and 28, is part of routine prenatal care. But even without symptoms, high blood sugar levels can affect your body in ways that may need medical support.

For You

GDM increases your risk of:

• High blood pressure (including a serious condition called pre-eclampsia)

• Needing a Caesarean delivery due to a larger baby

• Type 2 diabetes later in life

• GDM recurring in future pregnancies

  
  

For Your Baby

Unmanaged gestational diabetes can increase the risk of:

• Macrosomia (excess growth), which may make delivery more difficult

• Premature birth, especially if your baby grows too large too quickly

• Respiratory distress syndrome, where your baby has trouble breathing after birth

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) shortly after delivery

• A higher chance of childhood obesity or developing Type 2 diabetes later in life

  
  

It’s important to remember that these risks can be significantly reduced with appropriate treatment and monitoring.

What We See in Clinical Practice

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, we often meet women who are surprised to learn they have gestational diabetes. Many feel perfectly healthy and are concerned about what this diagnosis means for their pregnancy.

The good news is that with early detection, realistic dietary adjustments, and supportive care, most women successfully manage their blood sugar levels without needing medication. Those who do require insulin or other treatments still go on to have smooth pregnancies with the right monitoring.

The key is awareness and a willingness to work closely with your care team, which may include your obstetrician, endocrinologist, dietitian, and diabetes educator.

Why It’s Important Not to Ignore GDM

Because gestational diabetes often has no symptoms, it can be easy to overlook or underestimate. But untreated GDM puts both mother and baby at risk, both during and after pregnancy.

Even if you feel fine, elevated blood glucose can still have effects that build up quietly over time, affecting your baby’s development or increasing the chance of labour complications. Managing it now also reduces your long-term risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, which remains a concern even after the baby is born.

What You Can Do: Practical Steps to Manage GDM

The goal of managing GDM is to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, minimising risks for both you and your baby. This doesn’t mean overhauling your life overnight, it means making small, sustainable adjustments.

1. Eat Smart, Not Less

• Choose whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

• Limit sugary drinks and processed foods.

• Spread meals and snacks evenly throughout the day. A dietitian can help you develop a plan that keeps you nourished while supporting stable blood sugar levels.

  
  

2. Stay Active (If Your Doctor Approves)

Gentle movement can help your body use insulin more effectively. Even a daily walk, prenatal yoga, or swimming can make a difference.

3. Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Your doctor may recommend checking your blood sugar at home. This helps track how your body responds to food and activity and allows your care team to adjust your plan if needed.

4. Medication If Necessary

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to keep your blood sugar in range, you may be prescribed insulin or other medications. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed—every body responds differently to pregnancy, and medication is just another tool to protect your health and your baby’s.

What Happens After Delivery?

In many cases, gestational diabetes resolves after birth. However, it’s still important to have a follow-up glucose test around six weeks postpartum to make sure your blood sugar has returned to normal.

Even if your levels are back to normal, GDM increases your lifetime risk of Type 2 diabetes. Staying active, eating well, and keeping up with regular health checks can help you stay healthy in the long term.

You’re Not Alone, Support Is Available

Receiving a gestational diabetes diagnosis can feel unexpected—but it doesn’t mean your pregnancy will be difficult or complicated. With the right care and support, most women manage GDM well and deliver healthy babies.

At Cedar Endocrine Clinic, we work closely with expectant mothers to monitor blood sugar levels, guide treatment choices, and provide reassurance every step of the way. Our clinic offers:

• Personalised gestational diabetes care

• Collaborative management with your obstetrician

• Nutritional counselling and education

• Postnatal glucose screening and follow-up

If You’ve Been Diagnosed With GDM, Don’t Panic, Take Action

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition, but taking it seriously helps protect your long-term health and gives your baby the best possible start. If you have concerns, or if you've just been diagnosed, we’re here to help.

Book a consultation at Cedar Endocrine Clinic, conveniently located at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Mount Alvernia Hospital, to begin a care plan that supports you through every stage of your pregnancy.