Medindia
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Pregnancy Diabetes Calculator on WHO Recommendation

Developed by Hema | Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Apr 12, 2024

The Pregnancy Diabetes Calculator is designed according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, aiming to identify gestational diabetes—a form of diabetes that develops temporarily during pregnancy.

All women who are pregnant should get tested to rule out the possibility of diabetes

This Calculator is based on the guidelines provided by World Health Organization.

Pregnancy Diabetes Calculator
The Pregnancy Diabetes Calculator requires the input of fasting blood glucose levels and the levels 2 hours after consuming 75 gm of glucose
Ethnicity *
Age *
Choose blood glucose value type * mg/dl    mmol/L
Fasting blood glucose level *
2 hours after glucose drink *
( * Required)

Blood Sugar Converter

Enter mg/dL or mmol/L value for conversion:
Or
Advertisement

How to Test for Diabetes in Pregnancy

You'll need to take a special blood test called the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Here's how it works:
  1. You fast (don't eat) overnight.
  2. Go to the diagnostic lab, and they will check your fasting blood sugar level.
  3. You drink a sweet liquid containing 75 grams of glucose.
  4. Two hours later, they check your blood sugar again.

Facts about Pregnancy Diabetes:

The child born to a mother with GDM is at a high risk for glucose intolerance, diabetes and becoming obese in future.
The baby may be born with breathing disorders and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
The most common problem associated with gestational diabetes is macrosomia, in which, baby is born weighing more than 4 kg.
Giving birth to a heavier baby may be a problem at the time of delivery, and hence, cesarean delivery maybe required.
Congenital malformation is one of the reasons why babies die when born to women with gestational diabetes.
If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you have a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes.
As it was mentioned, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, hence maintaining a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy can help reduce this risk.

Advertisement

Diet Tips for Gestational (Pregnancy) Diabetes:

It is important for a woman with Gestational (Pregnancy) Diabetes to follow a healthy diet  plan and keep her blood sugar (glucose) level under control.
  • Include fat and protein in moderate amounts. Some of the protein rich foods include meat, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts.
  • Taking whole fruits is a healthier choice than drinking juice.
  • Your carbohydrate intake must account for less than half of the calories you take. Eat sugar-free sweets.
  • Cut down on hamburgers and cheese that are rich in saturated fats.
  • Spaced-out, balanced meals help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Pay attention to carbohydrate content in your daily diet and choose whole grains over refined options.
  • Drinking plenty of water helps your body function optimally and can also help reduce cravings for sugary drinks.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, a registered dietitian, or a diabetes educator for guidance and support throughout your pregnancy.

References:

  1. clinical.diabetesjournals.org/content/23/1/17.full.pdf
  2. ww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc2582643/
  3. care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/suppl_1/s88.full#sec-8
  4. www.hawaii.edu/hivandaids/Gestational%20Diabetes.pdf
  5. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007430.htm
  6. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html
  7. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/prevent-complications.html

FAQs

1. Which doctor should I visit for for gestational diabetes?

You should initially consult with your obstetrician (OB-GYN) for gestational diabetes management. Depending on your specific needs, they may also refer you to other specialists such as an endocrinologist for further guidance and treatment.

2. Why is testing blood sugar important in pregnancy?

Without specific testing, gestational diabetes can often go undetected until complications arise. The symptoms and signs of diabetes maybe subtle such as excessive thirst, increased urination, and unusual tiredness.

3. What is the incidence of Gestational Diabetes?

The incidence of diabetes that first manifests during pregnancy, known as gestational diabetes, varies from 2% to 4% in the general population. However, this rate may be significantly higher among south Asian women.

4. What complications can occur if diabetes is not controlled?

The major complications of diabetes are heart disease, stroke, blindness, eye problems, kidney diseases, nerve damage, amputations, preeclampsia, and birth defects.

5. Will I require insulin jabs to control my sugar?

Yes, sometimes it maybe required to control the blood sugar level. If diet does not help, the insulin maybe required to help overcome fetal and maternal complications.

6. Will I need Insulin all life?

No, not at all. Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition, as mentioned previously

7. What percentage of women with gestational diabetes will have diabetes after the pregnancy?

The blood sugar level will usually return to normal after delivery. However, around 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

8. Does ethnicity play a role?

Yes, Ethnicity plays a major role in gestational diabetes. Women of the following ethnic groups have higher chances of having gestational diabetes:

  • African Americans
  • Hispanic or Latino Americans
  • American Indians
  • South Asian

9. What complications can occur due to gestational diabetes to the mother?

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can increase risks of birth defects, and preeclampsia for the mother. Larger babies (macrosomia) can lead to delivery complications..

10. What problems can babies have when they are borne of mothers with gestational diabetes ?

Most babies born to mothers with controlled gestational diabetes are healthy. However there are potential risks to the baby including breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, and increased birth weight.

11. What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes often manifests without noticeable symptoms, highlighting the importance of testing for early detection and management. However, when symptoms do appear, they can include increased thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, or genital itching or thrush.

12. Can exercise help control gestational diabetes?

Yes, regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, keeping blood sugar levels in check.

13. What happens during a gestational diabetes test?

During a gestational diabetes test, you'll need to fast overnight, avoiding any food intake. Then, you'll head to the diagnostic lab, where they'll measure your fasting blood sugar level. Following this, you'll consume a sweet liquid containing 75 grams of glucose. After waiting for two hours, your blood sugar will be checked again to assess your body's response to the glucose intake. This process helps healthcare providers determine whether you have gestational diabetes.

14. How often will I need to monitor my blood sugar?

The frequency depends on your individual needs and how well your blood sugar is controlled. Your doctor will advise you on a monitoring schedule.

15. Can I still eat sweets if I have gestational diabetes?

It's best to limit sugary treats. However, occasional indulgence is okay with proper portion control and planning within your dietary recommendations.

16. Is breastfeeding safe with gestational diabetes?

Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged for women with gestational diabetes. It can actually help lower blood sugar levels.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYN)
To Book a Teleconsult with Specialist
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYN)
to assist you only at
Rs.200.
Consult Now

Post a Comment

Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Advertisement

Recommended Readings on Gestational Diabetes

Quiz on Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy when blood glucose levels increase in their body. It is diagnosed during the 24th week of pregnancy. Take this quiz to know more about its complications and how will your baby get affected if its ...
Gestational diabetes
The condition is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by the action of hormones produced during pregnancy that blocks the action of insulin.
Test Your Knowledge on Thirst
Thirst is a drive or an urge to drink something liquid. It is a conscious sensation signaled from the body when we feel dehydrated or exhausted. Although thirst is a natural phenomenon, feeling of extreme thirst unusually may be an alarming sign for ...
Back Pain during Pregnancy
Backache during pregnancy is common, but must not be ignored. Simple management techniques can help to ease back pain.
HbA1c or A1c Calculator for Blood Glucose
HbA1c calculator calculates average plasma and whole blood glucose levels. A1c test tells your average blood sugar level in the past 3 months and helps check whether your diabetes is in control.
Lifetime Risk Assessment Calculator
Calculate your lifetime risk of being afflicted by some of the common health conditions using Medindia's Lifetime Risk Assessment Calculator.
Quiz on Pregnancy
There is a general belief that a pregnant woman should eat for two people. How far is this true? This compilation of information, presented in the quiz, will tell you ...
Quiz on Diabetes
Diabetes has replaced every other condition to become the fastest growing lifestyle disease, globally. This disease also impacts children. Some people are more inclined to develop diabetes than others. Do you belong to the high- risk group? Spend 5 ...
 Female Reproductive System - Animation
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding Female reproductive system showing how the sperm fetilize the eggs
 Being Pregnant - Animation
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding Pregnancy
Pregnancy - Exercises and Massages
Pregnancy is a significant period in a woman's life, marking her momentous journey into motherhood. During the dynamic 9 months of her pregnancy, immense changes take place in her mind and body, as the fetus takes shape into a full-grown baby.
Health Screening Guidelines
Use these Health Screening Guidelines that list the medical conditions you should be screened for in your next health check-up.
High Risk Pregnancy Group Calculator
Medindia offers you a useful calculator to find out if you fall under the high risk pregnant group. Take the precautionary steps and avoid complications during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Diabetes Calculator or Gestational Diabetes Calculator
American pregnancy diabetes calculator cautions you about the chance of having diabetes when you are pregnant. Pregnancy Diabetes can affect both the mother and the baby.
Pregnancy Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or Pregnancy Diabetes Mellitus is defined as glucose intolerance, which is observed during pregnancy. The GDM slideshow gives you a detailed explanation.
Pregnancy Diabetes Chart or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Chart
Gestational diabetes is a condition affecting nearly 4% of pregnant women. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes is done with the help of a standardized 'Oral Glucose Tolerance Test'.
Blood Sugar Chart
The blood sugar chart gives you the fasting glucose values and glucose tolerance test values for normal people and people with early diabetes and established diabetes. Also use the calculator to find out if you have diabetes.
Diabetes Risk Assessment Calculator
Almost one-third of the people are unaware of the risk factors of diabetes. Find out if you run the risk of diabetes by using Diabetes Risk Assessment calculator.
Tips For Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a time when a female blossoms into a woman with an experience never felt before. Here are a few self-care tips for pregnant mothers that will help them during their pregnancy.
Pregnancy
Detailed look at Early pregnancy Symptoms and easy health solutions during 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. With an addition of an online pregnancy due date calculator.
Tell-tale signs / Yoga and Pregnancy
Through yogic practice, the phase of pregnancy can be transformed into a joyous, natural experience bringing about health and wellness to the mother and the baby
Pregnancy and Diet
Pregnant women should pay special attention to their diet. The diet before and during pregnancy should be rich in calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetic Diet
Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetic Diet.
Multiple Pregnancy Calculator
Multiple Pregnancy Calculator assesses your pregnancy symptoms and finds if you are pregnant with twins or triplets or more. Multiple Pregnancy Calculator offers tips for pregnant women.
Diabetic Diet
The diabetic diet most often recommended is high in dietary fiber (especially soluble fiber) and nutrients, but low in fat (especially saturated fat) and moderate in calories.
Pregnancy and Complications
In-depth guide for expecting mothers to overcome health complications related to early or late pregnancy. Anemia, urinary infection, diabetes, premature labor to name a few.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Health Calculators A-Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Women's Health
View all
Advertisement
Advertisement

A Comprehensive Guide To Education & Self Care
Advertisement

This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close