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Gestational diabetes

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar levels that can develop during pregnancy. It affects women who don't already have another type of diabetes. 

You'll get lots of extra NHS care and support during your pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy. This includes support to eat well and be more physically active to help you manage your blood sugar levels, and sometimes medication. Find out more information in the links below.

After you give birth, gestational diabetes usually goes away, but you now have a high risk of type 2 diabetes. If you've had gestational diabetes, download our free tool which sets out the NHS follow-on care you need to help you prevent type 2 diabetes.

Watch Rei's story about gestational diabetes

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

What signs to look out for.

Getting tested for gestational diabetes

How the condition is diagnosed.

Reducing your risk of gestational diabetes

Steps to help prevent it.

Treatments for gestational diabetes

Medication, diet and exercise.

What NHS care to expect

At every stage of pregnancy.

What causes gestational diabetes?

Why some women develop it.

Complications of gestational diabetes

Keeping you and the baby safe.

Preventing type 2 after gestational diabetes

What you need from your GP.

Download a copy of our free gestational diabetes guide from our shop

See all the resources in our shop for gestational diabetes

Listen to our gestational diabetes podcast (49 minutes)

Content last reviewed
16 February 2026
Next review due
16 February 2029
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