- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
June 25, 2026
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Last updated: 25/6/2026
A pregnant woman may hear the term gestational diabetes for the first time after her doctor requests a glucose test. She may feel worried immediately, especially if she did not have diabetes before pregnancy.
The reassuring news is that gestational diabetes can be managed well in most cases. What matters most is detecting it early, monitoring the numbers, and following the doctor’s plan.
The diagnosis does not always mean there is an immediate danger. It means the body needs more support to regulate glucose during pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that appears for the first time during pregnancy. It happens when the body cannot use insulin efficiently enough to meet the needs of pregnancy.
Mayo Clinic explains that gestational diabetes affects how the body uses glucose, and may lead to high blood sugar that can affect the health of the pregnancy and the baby if not monitored.
In a normal pregnancy, hormonal changes help the baby grow. However, these hormones may reduce the body’s response to insulin. As a result, glucose remains higher than needed in the blood.
Gestational diabetes often appears in the middle of pregnancy, especially between weeks 24 and 28. For this reason, doctors usually request blood sugar screening during this period.
Cleveland Clinic states that gestational diabetes often appears between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy because placental hormones may affect how the body uses insulin.
The doctor may request a gestational diabetes test earlier if the pregnant woman has risk factors, such as excess weight, a previous history of gestational diabetes, or a first-degree relative with diabetes.
In many cases, gestational diabetes symptoms do not appear clearly. This is why symptoms alone cannot be relied on.
A pregnant woman may have high blood sugar without feeling any clear sign. For this reason, testing is an important part of pregnancy follow-up.
Symptoms of high blood sugar during pregnancy may appear in some women, such as:
NHS UK explains that gestational diabetes usually does not cause obvious symptoms, and most cases are detected when blood sugar levels are checked during pregnancy.
However, it is important to remember that some of these symptoms are common during normal pregnancy. Therefore, thirst or frequent urination alone is not enough to confirm the diagnosis.
Gestational diabetes happens because the body’s response to insulin changes during pregnancy. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter the cells.
As pregnancy progresses, placental hormones increase. These hormones may make the cells less responsive to insulin. If the body cannot produce enough insulin to compensate, blood sugar rises.
Several factors may increase the chance of developing gestational diabetes, such as:
Gestational diabetes may also occur in a woman who has no clear risk factors. Therefore, blood sugar testing remains important even when the pregnancy appears normal.
The gestational diabetes test is a screening test that measures how the body handles glucose during pregnancy. The doctor requests it to make sure blood sugar levels are not rising more than they should.
The oral glucose tolerance test is often used. In this test, the pregnant woman drinks a solution containing glucose, then blood samples are taken at specific times.
NHS UK states that the oral glucose tolerance test, or OGTT, takes about two hours. It is usually done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy and may be requested earlier if there is a previous history of the condition.
The testing method may differ from one country to another. Therefore, the doctor’s or laboratory’s instructions should be followed, especially regarding fasting and the appointment time.
Yes, the gestational diabetes test is necessary because it detects the condition before complications appear. Many women do not feel clear symptoms despite high blood sugar.
Testing helps the doctor protect the mother and baby from problems that can be reduced with follow-up, such as increased fetal weight, difficult delivery, or low blood sugar in the newborn after birth.
If the doctor requests the test, it is not recommended to delay it. Delaying the test may delay treatment if the levels are high.
The phrase normal gestational diabetes level means that glucose readings are within the limits set by the doctor during pregnancy. These limits may differ depending on the type of test, timing of measurement, and the medical center’s policy.
For home monitoring, the doctor may use targets such as:
Cleveland Clinic mentions these numbers as common glucose targets during gestational diabetes follow-up, while emphasizing that the doctor determines the appropriate range for each case.
The numbers should not be interpreted separately from the doctor’s plan. One high reading does not always mean treatment failure, but repeated high readings need medical review.
Gestational diabetes levels need closer follow-up if readings rise more than once, especially after meals or while fasting.
See your doctor if you notice:
Do not change medication or insulin doses on your own. Any adjustment must be done under medical supervision.
When gestational diabetes is not controlled, excess glucose may reach the baby. This may cause the baby to gain more weight than expected.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar may lead to:
Mayo Clinic explains that uncontrolled high blood sugar may increase some pregnancy and delivery risks. Regular follow-up helps reduce these possibilities.
Even so, most women give birth to healthy babies when they follow monitoring and treatment properly.
Gestational diabetes may increase the risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia. It may also increase the chance of cesarean delivery if the baby’s weight is large.
After delivery, blood sugar levels often return to normal. However, having this condition means the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later becomes higher.
Follow-up should not stop after delivery. The doctor often requests a test after childbirth, then periodic follow-up depending on the result and risk factors.
The Saudi Ministry of Health can be used as an official source for general health information and awareness programs related to diabetes and maternal health, while always following the plan of the doctor managing the pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes treatment depends on the glucose level, gestational age, baby’s weight, and follow-up results. The goal is to keep blood sugar within a safe range for both mother and baby.
Treatment may include:
Cleveland Clinic explains that some women need simple dietary changes, while others need medication or insulin to keep levels within the required range.
Pregnancy nutrition is very important when blood sugar is high. The goal is not to stop eating, but to choose the right type, amount, and timing of food.
Practical tips include:
Not all pregnant women respond to food in the same way. Recording meals and readings may help identify which foods raise your glucose more than others.
No. Not every case needs insulin. Many women control gestational diabetes through nutrition, activity, and follow-up.
However, if readings remain high despite commitment to the plan, the doctor may recommend medication or insulin. This does not mean the pregnant woman did something wrong. It simply means the body needs extra support during this stage.
No medication should be used or changed without a prescription. The Egyptian Drug Authority can be used as an official source related to medication regulation and safety, while the treatment decision remains the responsibility of the specialist doctor.
Gestational diabetes often goes away after delivery when the effects of placental hormones decrease. However, this does not mean follow-up should be ignored.
NHS UK states that gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, but women who had it are more likely to develop it again in a future pregnancy or develop type 2 diabetes later.
The doctor often requests a test several weeks after delivery. Annual follow-up may also be recommended if the results are normal.
Contact your doctor if blood sugar readings are repeatedly high, or if unusual symptoms appear.
Seek medical help quickly if you have:
In Qatar, Hamad Medical Corporation can be used as an official healthcare source, especially when pregnancy follow-up, diabetes care, or emergency services are needed depending on the case.
Gestational diabetes is a common and manageable condition when detected early. Symptoms do not always appear, so the gestational diabetes test is an important part of pregnancy care. Monitoring levels, organizing nutrition, safe movement, and medication when needed help protect the mother and baby. If high readings repeat or concerning symptoms appear, the doctor should be consulted without delay.
Medical Review
Reviewed by the Magrabi editorial team with the support of specialized doctors.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for health education purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a specialist doctor or regular pregnancy follow-up
The Magrabi Health Editorial Team creates educational medical content designed to help readers better understand symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and preventive healthcare measures across a wide range of medical topics, drawing on trusted sources and specialized clinical expertise. Since 1955, Magrabi Health has built more than 70 years of experience in specialized healthcare through a regional network of over 40 facilities across 5 countries. Its commitment to quality and patient safety is reflected in numerous accreditations and recognitions, including the designation of several eye centers as Centers of Excellence in Ophthalmology by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This content is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Gestational diabetes often appears between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. The doctor may request testing earlier if the pregnant woman has risk factors, such as previous gestational diabetes or a family history of diabetes.
It often goes away after delivery. However, having it increases the chance of developing it again in a future pregnancy or developing type 2 diabetes later. For this reason, testing after delivery and periodic follow-up are needed.
It may cause severe thirst if glucose rises too much. However, it does not cause clear symptoms in many cases. Therefore, the gestational diabetes test remains important even when there is no thirst or frequent urination.
Yes. It detects high blood sugar that may not cause obvious symptoms. The test helps start follow-up early and reduces the risk of increased fetal weight or delivery-related problems.
Symptoms of high blood sugar during pregnancy may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or recurrent infections. However, these symptoms may overlap with normal pregnancy symptoms, so they do not confirm the diagnosis alone.
Normal gestational diabetes levels are determined by the doctor according to the time of measurement and type of test. In home monitoring, common targets may include 95 or less before meals, 140 or less after one hour, and 120 or less after two hours, according to the doctor’s guidance.
