Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnancy hormones and weight gain block the body's ability to use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery, but requires follow-up. Gestational diabetes affects approximately 2% to 10% of pregnancies worldwide.1 This type of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born.
Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnancy hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause insulin resistance. This type of Diabetes can affect women who have never had diabetes. Gestational diabetes affects approximately 2% to 10% of pregnancies worldwide.1 This type of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born.
Gestational diabetes can lead to high blood pressure for the mother and high birth weight for the baby. There is also an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes for both the mother and the baby in the future. Your baby may also be at higher risk of childhood obesity.2
You can reduce these risks by maintaining a reasonable weight, staying physically active and making healthy food choices. Breast-feeding may lower your baby’s risk for type 2 diabetes as well. See your healthcare professional to create a management plan that is right for you and your baby.
1 American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Suppl. 1). Available at: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/Supplement_1/S306/157565/1…. Accessed: April 20, 2026
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gestational Diabetes. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/gestational-diabetes.html?CDC_AAref_…. Accessed: April 20, 2026
