West Midlands
Gestational Diabetes – Caring for You and Your Baby
Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it also comes with extra demands on your body – including the way you process sugar. Gestational diabetes happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. While it usually goes away after birth, it’s important to manage it properly to keep both you and your baby healthy.
At OneMedicine, we’re here to support you with expert testing and personalised care, so you can focus on what matters most – your growing baby.
Cost
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (blood) £xxx
- Focused GP appointment (15min) £75
- Standard GP appointment (30min) £120
What is gestational diabetes?
During pregnancy, your body needs more insulin to help manage rising blood sugar levels. If it can’t keep up, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, which can lead to complications. The good news? With the right care, gestational diabetes can be managed effectively, keeping you and your baby safe.
Are You at Risk?
Gestational diabetes can affect anyone, but some factors make it more likely. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Have a BMI over 30
- Previously had a baby with a higher-than-average birth weight
- Developed gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy
If any of these apply to you, it’s worth discussing testing with your doctor to stay ahead of any concerns.
How Do We Test for Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed with an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), performed between 26 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. It’s a simple way to check how well your body handles sugar.
What to Expect:
- Fasting – No food or drink (except water) for 8 hours before your test.
- Baseline blood test – A quick blood sample is taken to check your fasting sugar levels.
- Glucose drink – You’ll drink a sugary solution to see how your body responds.
- Follow-up tests – More blood samples are taken at set times (usually after 1 and 2 hours).
Your results will help us understand how your body is processing sugar and guide the next steps for your care.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
If you’re diagnosed, don’t worry—you’re not alone. With the right approach, most women manage their blood sugar and go on to have a smooth pregnancy and a healthy baby.
- Keep track of blood sugar – Regular monitoring helps you stay in control.
- Eat smart – A balanced diet can make a big difference in keeping blood sugar levels stable.
- Stay active – Gentle movement, like walking, can help regulate sugar levels.
- Medication if needed – Some women may need insulin or other treatments to support blood sugar control.
With the right care, you can keep both you and your baby healthy. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Do you have other questions?
At OneMedicine, we offer comprehensive testing and management services for gestational diabetes, ensuring the best possible care for you and your baby. If you’re at risk or concerned about gestational diabetes, our experienced team is here to support you through testing, diagnosis, and management.
