Gestational diabetes
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Read explanation on this page ↓ See diagram ↓Gestational diabetes — on-site reading
An introductory overview for this topic. The article introduction is reproduced here, so you do not need to leave MedAtlas to read it. It may not match the latest official medical guidance.
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which an individual without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes generally results in few symptoms. Obesity increases the rate of pre-eclampsia, cesarean sections, and embryo macrosomia, as well as gestational diabetes. Babies born to individuals with poorly treated gestational diabetes are at increased risk of macrosomia, of having hypoglycemia after birth, and of jaundice. If untreated, diabetes can also result in stillbirth. Long term, children are at higher risk of being overweight and of developing type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy because of insulin resistance or reduced production of insulin. Risk factors include being overweight, previously having gestational diabetes, a family history of type 2 diabetes, and having polycystic ovarian syndrome. Diagnosis is by blood tests. For those at normal risk, screening is recommended between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation. For those at high risk, testing may occur at the first prenatal visit.
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising before pregnancy assists in prevention. Gestational diabetes is treated with a healthy eating plan, exercise, medication (such as metformin), and sometimes insulin injections. Most people manage blood sugar with diet and exercise. Blood sugar testing among those affected is often recommended four times daily. Breastfeeding is recommended as soon as possible after birth.
Gestational diabetes affects 3–9% of pregnancies, depending on the population studied. It is especially common during the third trimester. It affects 1% of those under the age of 20 and 13% of those over the age of 44. Several ethnic groups including Asians, American Indians, Indigenous Australians, and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk. However, the variations in prevalence are also due to different screening strategies and diagnostic criteria. In 90% of cases, gestational diabetes resolves after the baby is born. Affected people, however, are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How this connects to Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Endocrine regulation relies on circulating hormones, target receptors and feedback between glands and tissues. Hormone concentrations change with biological timing, illness, pregnancy, medications and assay characteristics; interpretation requires the entire signaling axis rather than a single number.
Text credit: Wikipedia contributors, “Gestational diabetes”, original article · authors & revision history · CC BY-SA 4.0. Unmodified opening extract, accessed 24 September 2026. This Wikipedia-derived section is provided under CC BY-SA 4.0; the independent MedAtlas notes and design are separate works.
Gestational diabetes · visual study map
Scalable vector illustration. Labeled conceptual map, not a precise anatomical, histological or diagnostic image.The wording in this learning map is adapted from the attributed Wikipedia background section below (CC BY-SA 4.0).
What the underlying subject studies
Obstetrics and gynaecology integrate reproductive anatomy, hormonal physiology, pregnancy adaptation and conditions affecting the reproductive system. Gestational age and the distinction between maternal, placental and fetal compartments are fundamental in pregnancy topics.
How mechanisms and evidence connect
The hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis and endometrial changes explain menstrual and many reproductive processes. Pregnancy requires interpreting tests and symptoms in a time-dependent physiological context.
How to develop a sound explanation
Organize each topic as normal structure or cycle, mechanism of change, common presentations and principles of safe assessment. Care decisions require current obstetric guidance, patient preferences and specialist oversight.
References and verification (optional)
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NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗