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  • Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

    Symptoms: GDM

    Most women with GDM do not experience noticeable symptoms and are unaware they have the condition until tested by their OB. This is partly a result of the symptoms being common for all pregnant women (i.e. increased fatigue, frequent urination), not just those who may have GDM. Because symptoms are rare and blood sugar levels are generally normal during the first trimester, it is important that all pregnant women are screened for GDM between their 24th and 28th weeks of their pregnancy. Some women with GDM may experience the typical symptoms that people living with diabetes are familiar with due to high levels of glucose being built-up in the bloodstream. The following symptoms and their causes are listed below: Symptoms found in GDM patients:
    • Increased tiredness or fatigue CAUSE: The body is unable to convert glucose into energy.
    • Frequent urination CAUSE: The high glucose levels increase blood flow to the kidneys.
    • Increase thirst CAUSE: Dehydration from increased urination
    • Increase appetite CAUSE: When glucose is not able to get into the cells from lack of insulin, the body suffers from a depletion of energy, causing hunger.


      • In addition to those listed above, the following symptoms are more commonly seen with Type 2 Diabetes patients:

    • Frequent or persistent bladder, vaginal, or skin infections CAUSE: The high glucose levels can cause a weakened immune system defense.
    • Weight loss despite an increase in appetite CAUSE: Weight loss occurs because the body is breaking down fats and proteins to make up for a perceived energy deficit.
    • Blurred vision CAUSE: Increased blood volume causes swelling of the lens of the eye
    • Nausea or vomiting CAUSE: The disruption of the body's glucose and insulin balance.
    PLEASE NOTE: As stated above, pregnancy in general causes many women to experience and increase in urination, appetite, and fatigue; so having these symptoms does not necessarily mean a woman has GDM. For many women, the first symptom of GDM is failing the initial glucose tolerance screening.