Pregnancy and Reproductive Health

Gestational Diabetes and Postpartum Care

Pregnant people exercising

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (also known as GDM or gestational diabetes) is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, blood sugar rises because of pregnancy-related hormonal changes and usually develops around 24 weeks but may occur earlier in pregnancy. In most cases, blood sugar levels can be controlled with diet and exercise, but some people may need oral medication or insulin. Pregnant women who are Black, Native American/Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian American, and Pacific Islander are at a higher risk for developing gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include family history, physical inactivity, and maternal age. Most people with gestational diabetes return to normal blood sugar levels after delivery.

Individuals who begin pregnancy above a healthy weight are more likely to develop gestational diabetes. The number of pregnant individuals affected by gestational diabetes has been increasing in recent years. In California, about 6 in 10 individuals who gave birth in 2022 were overweight before becoming pregnant.

Visit the Maternal Health Conditions at Delivery Data Dashboard to learn more about gestational diabetes data.

If you are currently pregnant and diagnosed with gestational diabetes, please check out the Information for Pregnant Individuals with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus webpage.

Tips for Managing Gestational Diabetes

Your health care provider can support you in managing your gestational diabetes. It is important to attend all your prenatal appointments where your health care team can guide you through important actions such as:

MyPlate for Gestational Diabetes

MyPlate for Gestational Diabetes is a tool to help manage your blood sugars to keep you and your baby healthy.

Preview of MyPlate California handout for gestational diabetes

English (PDF, 1.5 MB) | Spanish (PDF, 1 MB)

Choosing the right foods to eat.
Gaining the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy.
Eating at the right time.
Exercising safely and regularly.
Keeping your blood sugar levels normal.
Testing and recording your blood sugar levels.

These visits are where you can ask questions and learn more about gestational diabetes.

A registered dietitian/nutritionist can help you create a custom nutrition plan that helps you control your blood sugar. MyPlate for Gestational Diabetes is a tool to help manage your blood sugars to keep you and your baby healthy.

Those who may be struggling with the cost of groceries can find a list of California food banks on the California Association of Food Banks webpage .

Review the links below to learn more about resources that can support you during your pregnancy and postpartum journey.

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You’re more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you: Are overweight or obese. Are not physically active. Have a family history of type 2 diabetes. Had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.

About 1 in 10 pregnant people in California get gestational diabetes. Detecting and managing it early can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby.

If you're pregnant or think you might be, talk with your health care provider about gestational diabetes. Testing for gestational diabetes usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, or earlier if needed.

Visit go.cdph.ca.gov/diabetes-and-pregnancy to learn more about gestational diabetes.

#DiabetesAwarenessMonth #GestationalDiabetes #VoteCalifornia

Es más probable que desarrolle diabetes gestacional si tiene sobrepeso u obesidad, no realiza actividad física, tiene antecedentes familiares de diabetes de tipo 2, o tuvo diabetes gestacional durante un embarazo anterior.

Aproximadamente 1 de cada 10 personas embarazadas en California tiene diabetes gestacional. Detectarla y tratarla a tiempo puede ayudar a tener un embarazo y un bebé saludables.

Si está embarazada o cree que podría estarlo, hable con tu médico sobre la diabetes gestacional. Las pruebas para detectar la diabetes gestacional generalmente se realizan entre las semanas 24 y 28 de embarazo, o antes si es necesario.

Visite go.cdph.ca.gov/diabetes-and-pregnancy para obtener más información sobre la diabetes gestacional.

#DiabetesAwarenessMonth #GestationalDiabetes

Information for Providers

Are you a provider looking for more information and resources about gestational diabetes? Please check out the Gestational Diabetes: Information for Providers webpage to find links to training modules, diabetes organizations, and more.