Hi Mama — Julija here, founder of HIgedi.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve spent the last few months checking labels, pairing carbs with protein, taking long walks after meals, and poking your poor fingers more times than you ever thought possible. (Same, mama. Same.)
And now… baby’s here. 🎉
So what happens next?
Does gestational diabetes (GD) just vanish? Can you finally ditch the glucose meter? Are you “in the clear,” or is there more to keep in mind?
Let’s walk through it together — with all the compassion and real talk you deserve.
The short answer: for most people, yes.
Gestational diabetes is caused by pregnancy hormones that make your body more insulin resistant. Once the placenta is delivered, those hormones drop dramatically, and in most women, blood sugar returns to normal values shortly afterward.
(That’s why many of us are told, “Congratulations, you’re cured!” right after delivery.)
But here’s the thing:
Having GD means your body showed signs of struggling with insulin resistance.
That means you have a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes down the road.
In fact, about 35-60% of women with a history of GD develop type 2 diabetes within 10-20 years.
Before you panic: this is not inevitable. Knowledge is power. By understanding your body’s tendencies now, you have an incredible opportunity to take proactive steps and keep your health on track long after baby’s born.
You’ll likely be asked to do a 6–12 week postpartum glucose test — usually another 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), just like during pregnancy.
It’s not exactly a party (that sugar drink again… sigh), but it’s important. It tells your doctor if your glucose regulation has returned to normal or if you might already be in the prediabetes range.
Heads up:
If your test is normal, most guidelines recommend getting re-tested every 1–3 years.
If you had very high sugars during pregnancy or insulin was required, they might monitor you more closely.
The truth?
Even if your numbers normalize, the underlying insulin resistance may still be there, just at a lower level. That means it’s wise to carry forward some of your healthy GD habits — but with way more flexibility and less stress.
You don’t have to be as strict or carb-count every bite.
But pair carbs with protein and healthy fats to keep blood sugar steady and energy levels up (especially important with postpartum fatigue).
Load up on fiber from veggies, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It helps with blood sugar, digestion, and healing.
Even short walks with the stroller can help your body use insulin more effectively.
Movement also eases mood swings, postpartum blues, and helps regulate hormones.
Excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue — these could all be early signs of high blood sugar.
If you’re ever worried, ask for a simple fasting glucose or A1C test.
Newborn life is chaotic. Some days you’ll eat leftover mac n cheese at 2pm standing over the sink. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s gentle consistency over time.
Here’s a cool benefit: breastfeeding can actually lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.
It helps use up extra glucose and improves insulin sensitivity.
A study shows that women who breastfeed for 6 months or longer significantly reduce their long-term risk.
Plus, breastfeeding itself burns extra calories and shifts your metabolism. Just be sure you’re eating enough — now is not the time to overly restrict carbs or calories. Your body needs fuel to make milk.
For most women, blood sugar returns to normal after delivery.
You’ll have a postpartum glucose test at 6–12 weeks — don’t skip it.
Your lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes is higher, so keep some of your balanced eating and movement habits.
Breastfeeding can help reduce future diabetes risk.
Keep testing every few years, stay aware of symptoms, and remember: you’re not doomed. You’re informed.
I know how intense GD is. The meal plans, the worry, the constant second-guessing.
And then — boom — the baby arrives, and it’s like everyone forgets about you and your pancreas.
But here’s your gentle reminder from someone who’s been there:
You are still important.
Your health matters.
And this is a long game — not a sprint.
So yes, celebrate the freedom. Have the bagel. Savor the ice cream. Just keep a kind eye on how your body responds, keep up the little habits, and know that you’ve got this.
With love,
💜 Julija
1. Does gestational diabetes go away after my baby is born?
For most women, gestational diabetes resolves shortly after delivery as the pregnancy hormones that caused insulin resistance drop. However, having experienced gestational diabetes means you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so ongoing monitoring is essential.
2. When should I have my postpartum glucose screening?
Current guidelines recommend a postpartum glucose screening test, typically a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), at 6 to 12 weeks after delivery. This test helps determine if your blood glucose levels have returned to normal or if you have impaired glucose tolerance or overt diabetes mellitus.
3. How often should I have blood tests after gestational diabetes?
If your postpartum glucose screening is normal, it is recommended to have follow-up blood tests every 1 to 3 years to monitor for developing diabetes. If you have impaired glucose tolerance or other risk factors, your healthcare professional may suggest more frequent testing.
4. Can gestational diabetes return in future pregnancies?
Yes, women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes in subsequent pregnancies. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular postpartum care can help reduce this risk.
5. How does breastfeeding affect my risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
Breastfeeding has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood glucose levels, which can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the postpartum period and beyond.
6. What lifestyle interventions can help after gestational diabetes?
Lifestyle modifications such as balanced meals, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial postpartum. All these help manage blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes management complications.
7. Are there alternative tests to the OGTT for postpartum diabetes screening?
While the 2-hour OGTT is the gold standard, alternatives like fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c tests may be used depending on clinical circumstances, though they may be less sensitive in detecting impaired glucose tolerance early postpartum.
8. How does family history affect my risk after gestational diabetes?
Having a family history of diabetes increases your future risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. Sharing this information with your healthcare provider helps tailor your postpartum care plan.
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