It’s time to stop blaming mums for Gestational Diabetes

If there’s one feeling I sense most often in a mum-to-be the first few minutes after receiving a gestational diabetes diagnosis, it’s guilt. Many mums immediately tell me, “I should’ve eaten better,” or “I should’ve exercised more.” There’s an immediate initial fear that something they have or haven’t done is the reason they have received this diagnosis, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you’re an expecting mum who has recently been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, let me say this; it is not your fault. It doesn’t happen because you ate cake, skipped a gym session, or weren’t “healthy enough”.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs mainly because of hormones from the placenta. As the placenta grows, these hormones increase insulin resistance. Around 24-28 weeks, this hormone surge can overwhelm the body’s ability to make enough insulin¹. That’s when glucose levels rise and when gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

It is important to recognise that while lifestyle plays a role in every pregnancy, the major driver of GDM is hormonal – not personal failure. Age, genetics, and even your cultural background can all influence risk – and none of those are things you can control. In Australia, around 1 in 5 expecting mums will develop gestational diabetes².

As someone who has worked with families though their pregnancy journeys for more than two decades, I want every expecting parent to know this: you didn’t cause gestational diabetes, and with the right support, you can manage it confidently.

Why glucose monitoring matters and why it can feel overwhelming

Once diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, mums are typically asked to check their glucose four times a day: first thing in the morning and two hours after each main meal. These readings help make sure their glucose levels stay within the recommended range and give their care team the information they need to adjust diet, activity, or, if needed, medication.

I understand how exhausting this routine can be. Expecting mums can be working, parenting toddlers, juggling medical appointments or managing nausea, all on top of navigating a body that feels different every day. So, when we add finger-pricking multiple times daily – remembering the equipment, planning meals around testing times, sometimes dealing with discomfort and mess – it’s a lot.

Yet monitoring is important because insulin resistance changes almost daily as pregnancy progresses. What’s in range this week may not be in range next week, and early detection allows us to respond quickly, helping support the well-being of both mum and baby.

Finger-pricking vs other medical technology: What’s the difference?

Traditional finger-prick testing provides a snapshot, a single reading at one moment in time. It doesn’t show whether glucose is rising or falling, what happened overnight, or how food and activity are affecting levels between tests.

Nowadays, those living with diabetes also can access a device called a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a small wearable device that tracks glucose in real time. This tool can be extremely valuable for busy mums or those with more complex gestational diabetes. A CGM can last up to 15 days, providing real-time reading throughout the day and night. Instead of the “moment in time” you get with finger pricking, you get a moving picture that highlights patterns and the ability to see the impact of food, stress and activity on your glucose levels in real-time.

For example, an expecting mum might see her glucose rising after breakfast and decide to take a short walk. Seeing the reading improve on the screen can make that choice feel empowering rather than stressful. Many parents tell me that instead of feeling like they’re guessing, they finally feel like they understand their body.

CGM doesn’t prevent complications, and it isn’t for everyone, but for many families, it reduces stress, provides clearer insights and helps parents feel more in control of their pregnancy.

Most importantly, your baby will be fine if you manage your GDM

Monitor your glucose levels, attend your check-ups, and follow the instructions of your healthcare professional(s) to maintain a healthy pregnancy. Most babies born to mothers who manage their GDM are born healthy, with their healthcare team keeping a close eye on growth and timing every step of the way.

It’s also important for mums to monitor their glucose levels after birth, as around half of those who experience gestational diabetes will later develop type 2 diabetes³. That statistic isn’t meant to frighten; it’s a reminder of how valuable ongoing support can be. With the right tools, guidance and monitoring in place, mums can give themselves the best chance of long-term health and the best outcomes for both themselves and their little ones.

Maggie Stewart is a Credentialled Diabetes Educator and a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in Diabetes Education. She is based in Hampton, Victoria, and runs a private practice where she supports people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes.

Bookings with Maggie can be made online or by giving us a call on (03) 9603 0334.

References

1. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). (2019, November 19). Hopkinsmedicine.org. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/gestational-diabetes
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Diabetes: Australian facts. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/how-common-is-diabetes/gestational-diabetes
3. Life after gestational diabetes. (n.d.). https://www.ndss.com.au/wp-content/uploads/resources/booklet-gestational-diabetes-life-after.pdf ‌