News: Empowering Mothers: Spotlight on Gestational Diabetes During Diabetes Awareness Month

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to highlight the risks and impacts of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and showcase national efforts to combat the condition. This year, the DePaul Infant Empowerment & Education Project (DIEEP) uses this month to focus on the complex challenges of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), a condition that specifically affects pregnant people across the country.

What is Gestational Diabetes (GDM)?

GDM is a form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy, often appearing around 24 weeks.1 Some people with GDM may have mild symptoms like increased thirst and urination, while others might not have any symptoms at all.1 GDM is fairly common, affecting 5-9% of U.S. pregnancies each year.1 However, despite how often it occurs, research is still ongoing to determine its exact cause. Currently, scientists believe that certain pregnancy hormones contribute to the development of GDM.1,2

These hormones can sometimes limit a mother’s ability to use insulin, the hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation. This can lead to insulin resistance, high blood sugar, and the development of GDM.2 While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, many social and physiological factors have been identified that increase the risk of developing GDM.

Risk Factors and Disparities

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), mothers are more likely to develop GDM if they:

Had GDM during a previous pregnancy.
Have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds.
Are overweight.
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Have a hormone disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander.

These risk factors are particularly important when examining the disparities linked to GDM. Overall, minority women are twice as likely to develop GDM, with African Americans, U.S. Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics showing the highest risk.3 Additionally, some studies have found that low-income populations and those living in food deserts often experience higher rates of GDM.4

Impact

Oftentimes, mothers with unmanaged GDM can experience higher rates of cesarean sections (c-sections) or even develop type II diabetes later in life.2,3 In fact, about 50% of women with GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes.2 Additionally, infants have an increased risk of conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), macrosomia (enlarged baby), obesity, or Type II Diabetes.5

Protecting You and Your Baby

While a GDM diagnosis can be discouraging, it is quite manageable and preventable. Healthy interventions and simple lifestyle changes before pregnancy may help prevent GDM. For example, losing weight before pregnancy, following a healthy diet, and staying physically active can lower your risk.1

Screening is essential for managing and treating GDM, ensuring early detection to prevent secondary complications for both mothers and their babies.2 It usually occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy; however, a healthcare provider may screen earlier if the mother has an increased risk of GDM.1 Adequate maternal nutrition also plays a critical role in managing this condition.2 A healthcare provider can help develop a personalized meal plan to guide mothers with GDM toward healthy, nutritious food choices to support healthy pregnancies and infants.

For infants, proper nutrition can help prevent future issues caused by GDM. Early breastfeeding is especially important as a first-line defense against GDM complications like hypoglycemia.6,7 Additionally, breastfeeding can lower an infant's risk of developing type I or II diabetes, obesity, and other future problems related to GDM later in life.7 For mothers, breastfeeding can also reduce the risk of GDM complications such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions later in life.7,8

For more information on GDM, visit the CDC’s website here or the American Diabetes Association here to learn more! For details on DIEEP’s breastfeeding support and other programs, please click here to visit our website or contact us at (504) 482-2080. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we aim to support maternal and infant health and promote healthier families across the region.

References:

Nov 10, 2025

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