Gestational diabetes (GDM) is typically diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks, or earlier in high-risk women. Indian women have notably higher rates than European populations due to a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance.
GDM occurs when the insulin resistance of normal pregnancy cannot be fully compensated by the pancreas. Left unmanaged, it raises the risk of large-for-gestational-age babies, birth complications, neonatal hypoglycaemia, and pre-eclampsia.
Nutrition management is first-line: distributing carbohydrate evenly across three moderate meals and two to three snacks reduces glucose spikes, without eliminating carbohydrates entirely. Lower-glycaemic choices (basmati over jasmine rice, whole pulses, non-starchy vegetables) help. Blood glucose monitoring guides adjustments. Some women require insulin; medication is not a failure of diet.
Postnatally, GDM usually resolves — but it is a strong predictor of type 2 diabetes: around 30–50% of women develop it within 10 years. Continued dietary awareness, physical activity, and regular HbA1c or OGTT screening are important. Discuss postnatal follow-up with your clinician and a registered dietitian.