If you've just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you're probably staring at a blood sugar log wondering: What do these numbers actually mean? Are mine too high? Too low? Should I be worried?
You're not alone. Understanding your gestational diabetes numbers can feel overwhelming at first—but once you know what you're looking at, it becomes so much easier to manage.
In this guide, we'll break down:
What blood sugar numbers are normal for gestational diabetes
What your fasting and after-meal numbers mean
When to call your doctor
How to track and interpret your levels
Real tips from HIgedi mamas on managing their numbers
Managing gestational diabetes is easier when you have support. The HIgedi app connects you with thousands of mamas tracking their numbers, sharing what works, and supporting each other. Download the free HIgedi app here and join our community.
First, let's clarify: There's no single "normal" for everyone. Your healthcare provider will give you personalized target ranges based on your health, pregnancy, and risk factors.
However, here are the most common target ranges used in the U.S.:
Test Type | Target Range (mg/dL) | Target Range (mmol/L) | When to Test |
|---|---|---|---|
Fasting | Under 95 mg/dL | Under 5.3 mmol/L | First thing in the morning, before eating |
1 Hour After Eating | Under 140 mg/dL | Under 7.8 mmol/L | 1 hour after the first bite of your meal |
2 Hours After Eating | Under 120 mg/dL | Under 6.7 mmol/L | 2 hours after the first bite of your meal |
Important: Some providers use slightly different targets (like fasting under 90 mg/dL / 5.0 mmol/L or 1-hour under 130 mg/dL / 7.2 mmol/L). Always follow YOUR provider's specific targets.
Let's break down each type of reading:
What it is: Your blood sugar level after not eating for 8+ hours (usually overnight).
Why it matters: Fasting numbers show how well your body manages blood sugar on its own, without food. This is often controlled by hormones from the placenta, which is why fasting numbers can be the hardest to control.
Target: Under 95 mg/dL / 5.3 mmol/L (some providers say under 90 mg/dL)
What it means:
Under 95: Great! Your body is managing overnight blood sugar well.
95-105: Borderline. Your provider may want to monitor closely or adjust your plan.
Over 105: Consistently high fasting numbers may require medication or insulin.
What it is: Your blood sugar level 1 or 2 hours after eating.
Why it matters: After-meal numbers show how your body responds to the food you eat. This is where you have the most control—through diet, portion sizes, and movement.
Targets:
1 hour after eating: Under 140 mg/dL / 7.8 mmol/L
2 hours after eating: Under 120 mg/dL / 6.7 mmol/L
What it means:
Within target: Your meal was well-balanced and your body handled it well.
10-20 points over: Not ideal, but an occasional spike happens. Note what you ate and adjust next time.
Consistently over target: You may need to adjust portion sizes, carb amounts, or meal composition. Talk to your provider.
What it is: A blood sugar reading taken at any time, not tied to fasting or meals.
Why it matters: Random checks can help you see patterns or catch unexpected highs/lows.
Target: Generally under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) , but this varies.
Occasional spike (one reading over target):
Not an emergency, but note what you ate and adjust next time.
Consistently high numbers (multiple readings over target):
Fasting over 95-100 mg/dL (5.3-5.6 mmol/L) repeatedly
After-meal numbers consistently over 140-150 mg/dL (7.8-8.3 mmol/L)
Action: Contact your provider. You may need medication, insulin, or a diet adjustment.
Very high numbers (over 200 mg/dL / 11.1 mmol/L):
Action: Call your provider immediately. This is considered dangerously high.
What's too low:
Under 70 mg/dL / 3.9 mmol/L (some say under 60 mg/dL / 3.3 mmol/L)
Symptoms:
Shaking, sweating, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, extreme hunger
Action:
Eat 15g of fast-acting carbs (juice, glucose tablets, honey)
Retest in 15 minutes
If still low, eat another 15g of carbs
Call your provider if it happens frequently
Most providers recommend testing 4 times per day:
Fasting (first thing in the morning)
After breakfast (1 or 2 hours after eating)
After lunch (1 or 2 hours after eating)
After dinner (1 or 2 hours after eating)
Some providers also ask for:
Before bed (to guide bedtime snack choices)
Occasional middle-of-the-night checks (if fasting numbers are high)
Always follow your provider's specific testing schedule.
Tracking your numbers helps you:
Spot patterns (which foods spike you, which don't)
Share accurate data with your provider
Feel more in control
Date and time
Blood sugar reading
What you ate (meal/snack)
How you felt (tired, energized, stressed)
Activity (walked, rested, etc.)
Blood sugar can be affected by SO many things beyond food:
Stress – Raises cortisol, which raises blood sugar
Sleep – Poor sleep can spike morning numbers
Hormones – Placental hormones increase as pregnancy progresses
Illness – Being sick raises blood sugar
Activity level – Movement lowers blood sugar
Meal timing – Eating too close together or too far apart
Portion sizes – Even "good" foods can spike you if portions are too big
Time of day – Many mamas tolerate carbs better at lunch than breakfast
Mama Tip: "I learned that I can eat oatmeal at lunch and be fine, but it spikes me at breakfast. Everyone's body is different!" – HIgedi community member
Contact your healthcare provider if:
Your fasting numbers are consistently over 95-100 mg/dL (5.3-5.6 mmol/L) (despite diet changes)
Your after-meal numbers are consistently over 140-150 mg/dL (7.8-8.3 mmol/L)
You have a reading over 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
You experience frequent low blood sugar (under 70 mg/dL / 3.9 mmol/L)
You're feeling unwell, dizzy, or have symptoms of high/low blood sugar
You're confused or stressed about your numbers
Don't wait—your provider is there to help!
Sometimes, even with perfect diet and exercise, your numbers may require medication or insulin. This is NOT your fault.
Gestational diabetes is caused by placental hormones—not by anything you did or didn't do. Some bodies need extra help, and that's okay.
Mama Tip: "I felt like I failed when my doctor said I needed insulin, but my baby was born healthy and my numbers went back to normal after delivery. It's not about being perfect—it's about doing what's best for you and baby." – HIgedi community member
Read more: Gestational Diabetes Medication Guilt: You're Doing Great
Here's what real mamas have found helpful:
Pair carbs with protein and fat – Never eat carbs alone
Walk after meals – Even 10-15 minutes helps
Eat a bedtime snack – Experiment – it's such a trial and error! Read more: Bedtime Snack & Gestational Diabetes
Test at the same times daily – Consistency helps you spot patterns
Don't skip meals – Skipping can cause lows or rebound highs
Stay hydrated – Dehydration can raise blood sugar
Manage stress – Meditation, prenatal yoga, deep breathing
Get enough sleep – Poor sleep affects fasting numbers
Want more tips? Join the HIgedi app and connect with thousands of mamas sharing what works for them. Download here.
What it is: A blood test that shows your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.
Normal A1C for gestational diabetes: Under 6.0% (some say under 5.7%)
Why it matters: It gives a big-picture view of your blood sugar control.
Note: Not all providers test A1C for gestational diabetes—daily finger pricks are usually enough.
Good news: For most mamas, blood sugar returns to normal within hours to days after delivery!
What to expect:
Your provider will test your blood sugar right after birth
You'll have a follow-up glucose test at 6-12 weeks postpartum
Continue healthy habits to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes
Read more: Blood Sugar After Gestational Diabetes
1. What are normal blood sugar levels for gestational diabetes?
Most providers use these targets: Fasting under 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L), 1 hour after eating under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), and 2 hours after eating under 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). Always follow your provider's specific targets.
2. What does it mean if my fasting number is high?
High fasting numbers (over 95-100 mg/dL / 5.3-5.6 mmol/L) mean your body is struggling to manage blood sugar overnight. This is often controlled by placental hormones and may require a bedtime snack, medication, or insulin.
3. Can I have one high number and still be okay?
Yes! Occasional spikes happen. One high reading doesn't mean you've harmed your baby. Note what you ate, adjust next time, and move on. If numbers are consistently high, contact your provider.
4. Why do my numbers spike after breakfast but not lunch?
Many mamas are more insulin-resistant in the morning due to hormones. You may tolerate fewer carbs at breakfast and more at lunch. Test and adjust!
5. What should I do if my blood sugar is over 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)?
Call your healthcare provider immediately. A reading over 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) is considered dangerously high and needs medical attention.
6. How low is too low for blood sugar during pregnancy?
Under 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is considered too low (hypoglycemia). Eat 15g of fast-acting carbs (juice, glucose tablets), retest in 15 minutes, and call your provider if it happens frequently.
7. Do I test 1 hour or 2 hours after eating?
It depends on your provider! Some want 1-hour readings, others want 2-hour. Follow your provider's instructions.
8. What if my numbers are good but my doctor still wants me on medication?
Medication or insulin isn't a failure—it's a tool. Some bodies need extra help due to placental hormones. Your provider wants to ensure the best outcome for you and baby.
9. Can stress affect my blood sugar numbers?
Yes! Stress raises cortisol, which can raise blood sugar. Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, prenatal yoga, or talking to a supportive community.
10. How do I know if my glucose meter is accurate?
Test your meter against a lab reading at your next appointment. Most meters are accurate within 10-15%. Always use fresh test strips and follow instructions carefully.
11. What's the difference between fasting and random blood sugar?
Fasting blood sugar is taken after 8+ hours of not eating (usually overnight). Random blood sugar is taken anytime, regardless of when you last ate.
12. Will my numbers get worse as my pregnancy progresses?
Possibly. Placental hormones increase as pregnancy progresses, which can make blood sugar harder to control. This is normal and why your provider monitors you closely.
Understanding your gestational diabetes numbers is the first step to feeling in control. Remember:
One high number doesn't define you
Your body is working hard to grow a baby
You're doing an amazing job by learning and tracking
You're not alone—thousands of mamas are going through this too
Need support? Join the HIgedi app and connect with mamas who truly understand what you're going through. Download the free HIgedi app here.
SOURCES
American Diabetes Association (ADA) - Gestational Diabetes Guidelines
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Gestational Diabetes Practice Bulletin
Real experiences from HIgedi community members
**Medical Disclaimer**
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your gestational diabetes management and blood sugar targets.
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