Gestational diabetes and me
If you have just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you are not alone. Gestational diabetes is more common than you might think, and there is help and support available to you.
You can start managing your gestational diabetes by learning more about it here. This includes which health professionals can help you look after your gestational diabetes and where to find the support you need.
In Australia, one out of every six pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes.
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Just diagnosed
If you have just been diagnosed, you probably have many questions about gestational diabetes and how to manage it. But it is important to know women with gestational diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
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Understanding gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is type of diabetes that can happen during pregnancy. It is diagnosed when the blood glucose level is above the healthy range for pregnancy.
Managing gestational diabetes
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Blood glucose monitoring
Monitoring your blood glucose levels helps you to manage gestational diabetes. Your health professionals will support you to get started, advising you when to check your blood glucose levels and what your target range should be.
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Eating well
Healthy eating provides nutrition for you and your growing baby. The right balance of healthy foods can also help keep your blood glucose levels in the target range and help with a healthy pregnancy weight gain.
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Physical activity
Being active can help to keep your blood glucose levels in the target range, manage pregnancy weight gain and keep you fit to prepare for the birth of your baby.
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Medication
Some women may need medication to help manage gestational diabetes. This just means that your body needs some extra help to keep blood glucose levels in the target range.
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Pregnancy, birth and your baby
Your health professionals will work with you to help you stay healthy during pregnancy and prepare for the birth of your baby. You can find more information about health checks in pregnancy, labour and birth, what happens after your baby is born and breastfeeding.
Taking care of yourself
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Emotional wellbeing
Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes may come as a shock. You may feel worried, uncertain or overwhelmed. Looking after your emotional wellbeing is as important as looking after your physical health. There is support available.
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Getting the support you need
Looking after gestational diabetes is a team effort. There are health professionals who can support you to manage gestational diabetes. Helping your partner, family and friends to understand gestational diabetes means they can support you too.
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Your future health
Staying healthy after pregnancy is important, for you and your family. Although diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born, you are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes in the future. Find out the steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Helpful resources
Information in your language
You can find information about gestational diabetes in your language:
