Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is high blood sugar that is first detected during pregnancy, usually between weeks 24 and 28. According to HealthHub and the National University Hospital (NUH), it affects about 1 in 5 pregnant women in Singapore. That is higher than the global figure of around 1 in 6 births reported by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Most women's blood sugar returns to normal after delivery, but GDM can affect both the pregnancy and the baby's health, and it raises the mother's risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Key takeaways
- GDM is high blood sugar first found during pregnancy, usually at 24–28 weeks.
- About 1 in 5 pregnant women in Singapore is affected.
- Many women have no clear symptoms, which is why screening with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is recommended for all pregnant women.
- Uncontrolled GDM raises the risk of a large baby, C-section, preterm birth, newborn low blood sugar and pre-eclampsia.
- GDM usually resolves after birth, but it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, so a repeat test 6–12 weeks after delivery is advised.
On this page
- The state of gestational diabetes in Singapore
- Who is at higher risk, and what are the symptoms?
- How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
- The consequences of ignoring gestational diabetes
- Planning ahead: your delivery and cord blood banking
- Frequently asked questions
- Sources
- More articles on Pregnancy & Maternity Tips
The exact cause of GDM is not fully understood. During pregnancy, placental hormones make the body less responsive to insulin. In some women the pancreas cannot produce enough extra insulin to compensate, and blood sugar rises. Being overweight before pregnancy and having a family history of diabetes make it more likely.
The state of gestational diabetes in Singapore
GDM is very common in Singapore, affecting about one in five pregnant women. Asian populations generally have higher rates than many other regions. At KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), prevalence rose from 2.8% in 1994 to 15% in 2016, after the hospital moved from risk-based to universal screening and adopted newer diagnostic criteria (PMC study).
Singapore's clinical guidelines now recommend that all pregnant women be screened with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks (HealthXchange). This matters because screening only high-risk women misses cases. A KKH-led study found that risk-based screening failed to identify more than 25% of mothers with GDM (KKH).
Who is at higher risk, and what are the symptoms?
Some women are at higher risk, and doctors may test them earlier in pregnancy. According to NUH, risk factors include:
- A BMI above 25
- A previous baby weighing more than 4 kg
- A history of gestational diabetes
- Prediabetes
- A family history of diabetes
- Being aged 40 or above
However, GDM can also develop in women with no risk factors. Many women notice no symptoms at all. Increased thirst and frequent urination can occur, but these are also common in normal pregnancy, so screening is the reliable way to find out.
How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
GDM is diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). You fast from the night before, then your blood sugar is measured before and after you drink a sugary solution. The test is usually done at 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, and earlier for women at higher risk. If GDM is diagnosed, the test is repeated 6–12 weeks after delivery to check that blood sugar has returned to normal.
The consequences of ignoring gestational diabetes
Both mother and baby can be adversely affected by the elevated blood sugar caused by gestational diabetes. If it is not controlled, the common risks are:
For the baby
- Excessive birth weight: a larger-than-normal baby can cause delivery problems or the need for a C-section.
- Preterm birth: a greater risk of early labour and delivery before the due date.
- Breathing difficulties: babies born early may develop respiratory distress syndrome.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia): this can occur shortly after birth, and severe episodes may cause seizures.
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life: babies of mothers with GDM have a higher risk.
- Stillbirth or newborn death: in serious cases, untreated or poorly controlled GDM can result in a baby's death before or shortly after birth. This is why screening and early treatment matter.
For the mother
- High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia: GDM raises the risk of both, which can threaten other organ systems.
- C-section delivery: a larger-than-normal baby increases the likelihood of a surgical delivery.
- Future diabetes: a woman with GDM is more likely to have it again in a future pregnancy, and is at higher risk of type 2 diabetes as she gets older.
The good news is that GDM can be managed with the right care. If you are diagnosed, follow your doctor's advice on diet, physical activity and blood sugar monitoring, and on medication if it is needed. Women who have had GDM should also have regular diabetes screening after pregnancy, and your doctor will advise how often.
Planning ahead: your delivery and cord blood banking
If you are considering cord blood banking or cord tissue banking, it is best to decide and register well before delivery, because collection is arranged in advance with your obstetrician and your cord blood bank. If your pregnancy is being monitored for gestational diabetes, your care team may plan the timing and mode of delivery with you, so it helps to share your banking plans with them early.
Learn how the process works, read about why parents choose to store, or explore cord blood and tissue in more detail.
Have questions about cord blood banking during pregnancy?Book a free consultation or see our FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that is first detected during pregnancy, usually around weeks 24 to 28. It develops when the body cannot make enough insulin to cope with the changes of pregnancy, and it usually goes away after delivery.
How common is gestational diabetes in Singapore?
About 1 in 5 pregnant women in Singapore is affected, according to HealthHub and NUH. This is higher than the global estimate of around 1 in 6 births from the International Diabetes Federation.
How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
Doctors use a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. You fast overnight, and your blood sugar is measured before and after a sugary drink. Women at higher risk may be tested earlier.
Does gestational diabetes go away after birth?
In most women, blood sugar returns to normal after delivery. A repeat glucose test is usually advised 6 to 12 weeks after birth, and women who had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later, so regular screening is recommended.
What are the risks of gestational diabetes for the baby?
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to a larger-than-average baby, preterm birth, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar after birth, and a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Who is at higher risk of gestational diabetes?
Higher risk includes a BMI above 25, a previous baby over 4 kg, a history of gestational diabetes, prediabetes, a family history of diabetes, or being 40 or older. However, any pregnant woman can develop it.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please speak to your obstetrician or healthcare provider about screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes.
Sources
- HealthHub: Gestational Diabetes
- National University Hospital: Gestational Diabetes
- HealthXchange: Clinical guidelines launched on managing gestational diabetes in Singapore
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital: Screen to be safe
- PMC: First trimester HbA1c and gestational diabetes in Singapore (includes KKH prevalence data)
- International Diabetes Federation, IDF Diabetes Atlas: [add exact URL]
- Mayo Clinic: Gestational diabetes, symptoms and causes: [add exact URL]
Interested in finding out more about cord blood banking in Singapore? Contact us through the form on this page or book a free consultation, or WhatsApp us on +65-83398482 and let our customer service consultants address your queries.
More articles on Pregnancy & Maternity Tips
- Balanced pregnancy diet: nutrition is the key
- Pre-natal exercises to reduce stress and lower back pain
- Second trimester of pregnancy: do's and don'ts
