Diabetes in pregnancy
Diabetes in pregnancy means high blood sugar during pregnancy, either first found while pregnant (gestational diabetes, or GDM) or present from before. At Medcare, Dr. Tamoghna Das helps pregnant women in and around Bongaigaon keep sugar in a safe range, working alongside your obstetrician, so that you and your baby stay healthy.
At a glance
- Who is tested in India: every pregnant woman, at the first antenatal visit and again at 24 to 28 weeks (national guidelines)
- The test: 75 g glucose drink, with a blood sugar check after 2 hours; 140 mg/dL or more means GDM. You do not need to come fasting for this test.
- Why it matters: high sugar can make the baby grow too large, raise the risk of a difficult delivery, and cause low sugar in the newborn
- At Medcare: consultation, finger-prick sugar, HbA1c, CGM, diet counselling, insulin counselling
Who is at higher risk
- Family history of diabetes
- Being overweight before pregnancy
- Age above 25 to 30 years
- GDM in a past pregnancy, or a past baby weighing more than 3.5 kg
- PCOS
- South Asian background, which by itself raises the risk
Many women with GDM have no symptoms, which is why testing every pregnant woman matters.
What happens at Medcare
- First visit. Dr. Das reviews your antenatal card, scans and sugar results, checks BP and weight, and asks about your meals and daily routine.
- Sugar targets. You get clear targets for fasting and after-meal sugar, usually checked at home with a meter. CGM can be used when sugar is hard to read or changes a lot.
- Food plan. Small regular meals, the right amount of rice or roti at each meal, enough protein, and safe snacks. The aim is steady sugar without leaving you or your baby short of nutrition.
- Medicine when needed. If food changes alone do not keep sugar on target, Dr. Das will discuss medicine. Insulin is safe in pregnancy and is widely used. He explains every step, including how to inject and how to avoid low sugar.
- Thyroid and BP checks. Thyroid problems and high BP are also common in pregnancy and are checked as needed.
- Shared care. Your readings and plan are shared with your obstetrician on your request.
- First visit. Dr. Das reviews your antenatal card, scans and sugar results, checks BP and weight, and asks about your meals and daily routine.
- Sugar targets. You get clear targets for fasting and after-meal sugar, usually checked at home with a meter. CGM can be used when sugar is hard to read or changes a lot.
- Food plan. Small regular meals, the right amount of rice or roti at each meal, enough protein, and safe snacks. The aim is steady sugar without leaving you or your baby short of nutrition.
- Medicine when needed. If food changes alone do not keep sugar on target, Dr. Das will discuss medicine. Insulin is safe in pregnancy and is widely used. He explains every step, including how to inject and how to avoid low sugar.
- Thyroid and BP checks. Thyroid problems and high BP are also common in pregnancy and are checked as needed.
- Shared care. Your readings and plan are shared with your obstetrician on your request.
How to prepare
- Bring your antenatal card, all scan and blood reports, and your sugar diary if you have one
- Bring the medicines and supplements you are taking
- For the 75 g glucose test, you can come at any time of day; it does not need fasting
After delivery
GDM usually goes away after the baby is born, but it is a warning sign for the future. Women who had GDM have a much higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- A sugar test is advised about 6 to 12 weeks after delivery
- Then a sugar test every year, or as advised
- Breastfeeding, healthy weight and activity lower the risk
- Before the next pregnancy, have your sugar checked early
When to see a doctor urgently
Go to your maternity hospital or call 108 or 112 if you have: severe headache with blurred vision, swelling of face or hands, reduced baby movements, bleeding or leaking fluid, sugar below 70 mg/dL that does not come up after taking sugar, or vomiting that stops you keeping food down.
FAQs
Will gestational diabetes harm my baby?
When sugar is well controlled, most women with GDM have healthy babies. High sugar that is not treated can make the baby grow large, make delivery harder and cause low sugar in the baby after birth. Regular checks, a good food plan and medicine if needed reduce these risks.
Is insulin safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Insulin does not cross to the baby in a way that harms it, and it has been used safely in pregnancy for many decades. If your sugar stays high despite food changes, insulin is a common and safe choice. Dr. Das will teach you how to use it and how to spot low sugar.
Do I need to come fasting for the GDM test?
No. In India, the national test for pregnant women uses a 75 g glucose drink given at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate. Blood sugar is checked 2 hours later. A result of 140 mg/dL or more means gestational diabetes.
Will I still have diabetes after the baby is born?
In most women, sugar returns to normal after delivery. However, GDM raises the chance of type 2 diabetes later, so a sugar test is advised about 6 to 12 weeks after delivery and then every year. Staying active and keeping a healthy weight lower this risk.
Can I fast during pregnancy if I have GDM?
Long fasts are not advised, because they can cause low sugar followed by high sugar. If fasting matters to you for religious or festival reasons, talk to Dr. Das beforehand so a safe plan can be made with your obstetrician.
I had diabetes before pregnancy. What should I do?
Ideally, see a doctor before you become pregnant to bring HbA1c into a safe range and check your medicines, because some tablets are not suitable in pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, book an early visit so treatment can be adjusted quickly.
Sources
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
- DIPSI (Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India) guidance
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care: Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy
Related care
From the Health Library
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tamoghna Das, MBBS, MD (Medicine) · Assam Council of Medical Registration No. 20276 · Last reviewed 3 October 2026
Book a visit with Dr. Tamoghna Das
Call 60031 21297 or send a WhatsApp message. We confirm your time within 30 to 60 minutes during clinic hours.