Living with gestational diabetes

Living with Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes also known as GDM is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

If you have been recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes don’t panic. Gestational diabetes affects one in seven pregnancies, so it is more common that you think.

The important thing to know is that you haven’t done anything wrong. Gestational diabetes can generally be managed with diet and exercise and normally goes away when the baby is born. But having gestational diabetes increases you risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes there are things you need to do to manage it. A healthy diet, regular exercise, checking your blood glucose levels and taking tablets or insulin all help to keep your blood glucose levels in a healthy range. This will reduce the risks to you and the baby.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and are not sure where to start we’ve brought together information and resources that offer practical tips and advice about healthy eating, simple food swaps and safe exercising. We also explain medications and insulin as well as questions you can ask your doctor and health care team along the way.

Just diagnosed with gestational diabetes

If you’ve just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, don’t panic. About one in seven Australian women has gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. Most women manage their ...
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a lancet can be used for blood glucose monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring

To live well with diabetes, it’s important that you keep your blood glucose levels as close to the target range as possible. Blood glucose monitoring can help you to keep your blood glucose level in ...
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hands held to the sun in the shape of a healthy heart

Managing your emotional wellbeing

Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can come as an unpleasant shock. You may experience a range of emotions such as anger, sadness, denial or fear. As well as wondering will it hurt the baby? Or ...
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  1. Safe exercise for gestational diabetes
  2. Medications and blood glucose levels
  3. Managing your weight
  4. Post pregnancy
  5. Cassie’s journey with gestational diabetes

Connect with others by subscribing to our Gestational Diabetes Support Service

Planning healthy meals

There is only a slight increase in the amount of food you need to eat while you are pregnant.
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Simple food swaps

here are some quick and easy food swaps that you can implement straight away
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We know that you want to a perfect pregnancy and it’s natural to be worried by a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. But learning more about it and reaching out for advice and support will lessen any risks. You might find it useful to join our online community and talk to other women going through a similar experience. Find out more information about the Gestational Diabetes Support Service and sign up to the service developed by our health professionals.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for here and would like to talk to someone, call our Helpline on 1300 342 238. We have health professionals including diabetes educators, dietitians, exercise physiologists and a psychologist who can support and guide you.

You are not alone. Diabetes NSW & ACT is here to help and support you as you manage your gestational diabetes throughout you pregnancy.