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Lower GI carbohydrates are a good choice to manage diabetes. Choose healthy low fat options such as pasta, corn, basmati rice, low fat milk and many fruits

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after the birth but may reoccur in the next pregnancy. GDM occurs when the hormones made by the placenta during pregnancy stop the body’s own insulin from working properly, causing blood glucose levels to rise. This type of diabetes affects up to eight per cent of Australian women during pregnancy.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

- Older than 30 years of age
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders cultural background
- Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Middle Eastern or Polynesian cultural background
- Gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies

Testing for gestational diabetes usually occurs in the 24th-28th week of pregnancy and is diagnosed using a glucose tolerance test.

Looking after gestational diabetes is important to prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Management of GDM includes:

- A healthy eating plan to meet the nutrition requirements of pregnancy and manage blood glucose levels (BGLs)
- Regular physical activity to help your body’s own insulin work better which can help manage BGLs
- Frequent blood glucose monitoring to try and keep BGLs in the target range for a healthy pregnancy

Some women may also require insulin injections to help manage BGLs.

GDM should be managed by a team of health professionals including a specialist doctor, diabetes educator and dietitian.

For more information download our Gestational Diabetes Information Sheet (PDF) or Healthy Eating for Gestational Diabetes Information Sheet (PDF) or contact Diabetes Australia NSW on 1300 342 238 and ask to speak to one of our health professionals.

 

After the baby is born...

Although gestational diabetes usually disappears after the baby is born, women who’ve had GDM have a 10 times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

If you’ve had GDM, it’s important to be tested for diabetes after the birth, maintain a healthy weight and encourage the whole family to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. 

Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes

To help delay or even prevent the development of type 2 diabetes after your baby is born, it is important to:

Know your blood glucose level

  • It is recommended that you have an oral glucose tolerance test about six to eight weeks after the birth of your baby. 

  • This test should be repeated every one to two years or more frequently in those at greater risk, such as women from high risk cultural groups or those with impaired glucose tolerance.

  • See your GP if you are planning another pregnancy to check that your blood glucose levels are in the normal range.

  • Get checked for GDM early in your next pregnancy.

Continue a healthy eating plan

The dietary guidelines provided to you for the management of GDM are the same healthy eating principles recommended to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes: 

  • Base your meals on wholegrains, fruits and vegetables

  • Choose a diet low in saturated fat – choose low fat dairy foods, leans meats and skinless chicken, and limit biscuits, chips, cakes, pastries and takeaway foods

  • Include small amounts of the healthy poly or monounsaturated fats and oils such as canola, olive or sunflower oils and margarines, avocado and unsalted nuts

  • Choose lower glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate foods such fresh fruit, grainy bread, low fat dairy foods, pasta, basmati rice and low GI cereals

  • Eat regular meals and watch your portion size

  • Avoid high sugar drinks (e.g. cordials, soft drinks) and choose water as your everyday drink

Be physically active

Physical activity can help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight and give you increased energy to cope with the demands of motherhood. It can also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. It is important to consult with your doctor or midwife before you start any post-natal exercise program.

Once you begin a physical activity routine, try to build up to at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days. This can also be done in smaller blocks, such as three 10-minute sessions.

Aim for a healthy weight

Healthy eating, regular physical activity and breastfeeding can help you to return to a healthy weight after the birth of your baby. Studies have shown that even as little as five to 10 per cent weight loss can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Avoid crash diets and aim to lose weight gradually through a healthy lifestyle. See an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) for individualised weight management advice. 

Breastfeed your baby

Breastfeeding is recommended where possible, as it is not only the best way to feed your baby, it can also help you with weight management and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Current guidelines recommend that infants be breastfed for the first six months and beyond where possible.

Encourage a healthy family lifestyle

Research has suggested that GDM may increase a child’s risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. For this reason a healthy lifestyle is important for the whole family. Encourage the whole family to make healthy food choices and be physically active everyday.

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