Why does it matter?
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can cause excessive fetal growth (macrosomia), shoulder dystocia, higher caesarean rates, low blood sugar in the newborn and pre-eclampsia in the mother. Correct diagnosis and treatment reduce most of these risks.
Risk factors
- Overweight or obesity
- Diabetes in first-degree relatives
- Previous gestational diabetes or a baby over 4 kg
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Older maternal age
Diagnosis
A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test is recommended between 24 and 28 weeks. Diagnosis is made if the fasting, one-hour or two-hour value exceeds the threshold. Women with risk factors are also tested at the first visit.
Treatment
- Diet: balanced distribution of carbohydrates, fewer simple sugars, more fibre and protein.
- Physical activity: moderate walking on most days with medical approval. The effect of pedometer-monitored regular exercise on pregnancy outcomes and maternal mental health was studied in a 2025 paper co-authored by Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz.
- Glucose monitoring: fasting and post-meal readings at home.
- Medication: insulin if targets are not met.
Research
Prof. Dr. İkbal Kaygusuz has contributed to numerous international publications on biomarkers of gestational diabetes (pentraxin 3, visfatin, hepcidin, TAFI) and vascular health in women with a history of gestational diabetes.
Birth and afterwards
Vaginal birth is possible with well-controlled gestational diabetes; timing depends on fetal growth and glucose control. Blood sugar usually returns to normal after birth, but the future risk of type 2 diabetes is higher, so a glucose tolerance test is repeated 4-12 weeks after birth with regular follow-up. Breastfeeding helps reduce this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the glucose test harmful to the baby?
Does gestational diabetes go away after birth?
Sources
- ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 190: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstet Gynecol, 2018.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes: Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy, 2025.
- Effect of Regular Exercise Assessed by Pedometer on Pregnancy Outcomes and Maternal Mental Health. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 2025.
- Is There Any Relationship between Plasma Pentraxin 3 Levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus? Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 2015.
- The association between serum asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels and a history of gestational diabetes among healthy women. Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis, 2012.
The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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