How to prevent gestational diabetes

Written by Zhang Jun Jun
Endocrinology
Updated on May 03, 2025
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The onset of gestational diabetes is primarily due to uncontrolled diet during pregnancy, leading to rapid weight gain, which in turn causes insulin resistance and results in high blood sugar. Gestational diabetes is characterized by increased blood sugar levels caused by this insulin resistance. In the early stages, it can be managed by controlling diet and increasing physical activity to keep blood sugar within a reasonable range. If blood sugar cannot be controlled, insulin medication intervention may be necessary. How to prevent it in the early stages? Mainly, it involves keeping weight within a reasonable range, monitoring weight gain, while ensuring normal fetal development. Additionally, in terms of diet, avoid excessive intake of foods high in oil, such as animal organs; fats and oils are high in lipids, which can also exacerbate insulin resistance, leading to the development of gestational diabetes. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor to avoid blind self-medication).

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How long does it take to recover from gestational diabetes after childbirth?

For the vast majority of pregnant women with gestational diabetes, their fasting blood glucose or glucose tolerance test can return to normal within six weeks after delivery. However, the recurrence rate of gestational diabetes during subsequent pregnancies is 50%, and about 25% to 70% of those with gestational diabetes may develop diabetes again within 16 to 25 years after giving birth. For those whose blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth, it is also advisable to check their blood sugar every three years. For patients with abnormal fasting blood glucose or reduced glucose tolerance after childbirth, an annual check should be conducted to screen for diabetes, and they should receive strict dietary treatment and individualized exercise therapy. Therefore, the recovery time for postpartum gestational diabetes depends on the circumstances.

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What should people with gestational diabetes eat?

For patients with various types of diabetes, the general principle of dietary control is low salt, low fat, and a diabetes-specific diet. This means that fats and calories must be controlled. However, pregnancy is a special period that requires an adequate intake of nutrients to meet the needs of the fetus. Therefore, gestational diabetes should be managed based on one's nutritional status, and, after evaluating one's condition, sufficient high-quality protein should be supplemented. It is advisable not to consume fats, such as chicken, duck, fish, and meat, but cooking methods should be chosen carefully. Fish can be consumed steamed, and meat can be steamed or stewed, as these meats are sources of protein. However, soup should not be consumed as it is particularly high in fat. Additionally, foods like pig's feet or animal organs, which have high cholesterol levels, should be consumed in moderation. The overall principle is the same as for diabetes, but it is essential to ensure the pregnant woman's nutritional needs are met and that the fetal weight gradually increases as the pregnancy progresses. Of course, if insulin intervention is needed to some extent, insulin must be used to keep blood sugar levels within the required range.

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Effects of gestational diabetes on the fetus

The impact of gestational diabetes on the fetus mainly manifests in early stages as spontaneous miscarriage, fetal malformations, and abnormal fetal development. As the fetus grows, the high maternal blood sugar levels can lead to a large fetus, which increases the risk of birth injuries during delivery. Due to the high insulin levels in the mother, the fetus may have hyperinsulinemia, which can cause recurrent hypoglycemia at birth. Additionally, the development and maturation of the fetal lungs are delayed, making the newborn more susceptible to respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, gestational diabetes also increases the risk of preterm birth.

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Gestational diabetes hazards

The hazards of gestational diabetes: So, what is gestational diabetes? It refers to the onset of varying degrees of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, or its first detection, including previously undetected glucose tolerance abnormalities and diabetes before pregnancy. However, pregnancies in diabetic patients are not included in this category, and should be referred to as diabetes complicating pregnancy. The main dangers of gestational diabetes are that it can jeopardize the health of both the fetus and the mother. The effects and hazards to offspring mainly manifest as an increased risk of fetal intrauterine death, congenital anomalies, and complications. There is also an increased risk of macrosomia, and an increased incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia, jaundice, polycythemia, and hypocalcemia. Additionally, the risk of obesity, glucose tolerance abnormalities, and diabetes significantly increases in offspring during adolescence or young adulthood.

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Dietary Guidance for Gestational Diabetes

The dietary principles for gestational diabetes are consistent with those for non-pregnant diabetes. Firstly, the total daily caloric intake should be balanced, with carbohydrates accounting for 50%-60%, proteins for 15%-20%, and fats for 20%-30%. The overall principle is to eat smaller, more frequent meals, ideally adding two to three snacks to the three main meals per day. Common foods primarily include milk, proteins, egg whites, and fruits. Then, generally maintain the level of diet before pregnancy without overly restricting it. It is advisable to consume a significant amount of vegetables, no less than 500 grams daily, to supplement vitamins and fiber.