Gestational Diabetes

Women who experience gestational diabetes face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus are at significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We offer targeted prevention support, including educational resources and tailored lifestyle coaching, to support women in reducing their risk of repeated gestational diabetes and developing type 2 diabetes in the future. We offer 15 sessions up to 45 minutes long, delivered over a nine-month duration. Sessions are delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams, allowing a convenient, flexible option that works around participants’ existing priorities.

About the programme

Our tailored Gestational Diabetes Programme supports mums through a wide range of topics, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management and weight management. You’ll learn how to apply this knowledge in everyday life, helping you make sustainable changes that can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes in any future pregnancies and lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

What to expect

The programme is delivered over Microsoft Teams, so you can join from wherever suits you – at home, work, or even while you’re out and about. You’ll take part in 15 sessions, each up to 45 minutes, spread across 9 months to give you plenty of time to learn and reflect.

You’ll receive steady, ongoing support from your coach in a relaxed and friendly group of mums who understand the realities of daily life.

With our personalised approach, you’ll have the space to focus on your goals and what matters most to you. You’ll receive a workbook in the post to support your learning, and after each session, we’ll send additional resources to your inbox to help you keep making progress.

Meet your coach

Hello I’m Lorna, your Gestational Diabetes Coach with a background in Physiotherapy, where I spent over 10 years helping people stay active and healthy.

As a mum of three, I understand firsthand the wonders and challenges that come with motherhood. When I first became a parent, my lifestyle shifted, and like many women, I found it easy to fall into habits such as snacking or skipping exercise due to lack of time. Balancing the needs of little ones while trying to look after yourself can feel overwhelming, and that is why I am so passionate about supporting you to prioritise your health.

How do I join?

Have you previously been diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

If yes, complete our online registration form

If no, speak with your GP or a relevant healthcare professional to find out your eligibility and request a referral.

What happens next?

Once referred, you’ll receive a phone appointment so you can get to know your coach, find out more about the programme and have any of your questions answered.

They will provide you with a schedule of online sessions available to attend.

Once you begin the programme you will start to receive:

Personalised advice and support from your friendly expert coach
Easy-to-understand information about gestational diabetes, how it can affect you, and how to reduce your risk
Handy resources on balanced eating, staying active, building lasting healthy habits and more
Regular check-ins with your coach to help you stay motivated and on track

You’ll celebrate your achievements regularly as you move through the programme. At completion, your coach will work with you to set realistic post-programme goals to support your continued progress and help keep your diabetes risk as low as possible.

Understanding gestational diabetes

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is when blood glucose levels become high during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but it shows that your body had difficulty managing blood glucose while you were pregnant.

Why did I get gestational diabetes?

There is no single cause. Hormonal changes in pregnancy make it harder for insulin to work effectively. Factors such as family history, ethnicity, age or weight can increase the chance, but anyone can develop it.

Does having gestational diabetes mean I have diabetes now?

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after pregnancy. However, it is important to have your recommended postnatal blood test to check that your blood glucose levels have returned to normal. Having had gestational diabetes also means you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Why have I been referred if my gestational diabetes has gone?

Having had gestational diabetes increases your future risk of developing type 2 diabetes, even if your blood glucose levels have returned to normal. The programme supports you to make sustainable healthy lifestyle changes that can help reduce this risk.

Is gestational diabetes my fault?

No. Pregnancy hormones play a major role. Developing gestational diabetes is not something you caused. The focus now is on the positive steps you can take for your longer-term health.

Your health after pregnancy

Am I healthy now that I’ve had my baby?

For many women, blood glucose levels return to normal after birth. The best way to confirm this is by having the recommended follow-up blood test.

Why do I still need blood tests after pregnancy?

These checks confirm that your blood glucose has returned to normal and help monitor your future risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How will I know if my blood glucose is back to normal?

You should be offered a postnatal blood test 6–13 weeks after giving birth to check your blood glucose levels. If you have any symptoms that concern you before then, contact your GP.

Why should I join the programme if my HbA1c is within the normal range and I am not prediabetic?

Even if your HbA1c is currently within the normal range, having had gestational diabetes means you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The programme can support you to make sustainable lifestyle changes that can help reduce this risk.

Can I still breastfeed if I had gestational diabetes?

Yes. Breastfeeding is encouraged where possible and can bring health benefits for both you and your baby. If you have any specific concerns, speak with your midwife, health visitor or GP.

I’m still tired after pregnancy. Is it because of gestational diabetes?

Tiredness is very common after having a baby and can have many causes. If the tiredness feels unusual or is worrying you, contact your GP or health visitor.

Your future health

What are my chances of developing type 2 diabetes?

Having had gestational diabetes means you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. The good news is that healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce this risk.

Can I prevent type 2 diabetes?

There is no absolute guarantee, but maintaining a healthy weight, if appropriate for you, eating a balanced diet, being regularly active and attending recommended health checks can all help reduce your risk.

How often should I be tested for diabetes?

If your postnatal blood test is normal, you should continue to have a blood test for diabetes at least once a year.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Possible symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, passing urine more often, feeling unusually tired, unexplained weight loss or blurred vision. If you notice any of these, contact your GP.

Will I get gestational diabetes again?

Having had gestational diabetes once does increase the chance of developing it again in a future pregnancy, but it is not inevitable.

Is there anything I can do before another pregnancy?

Continuing healthy lifestyle habits can support your overall health and help you prepare for a future pregnancy. If you are planning another pregnancy, speak to your GP about being checked for diabetes and let your maternity team know that you have previously had gestational diabetes.

Will I be monitored more closely in future pregnancies?

Yes. Having had gestational diabetes means you will usually be offered earlier testing for gestational diabetes and additional monitoring during a future pregnancy.

Does having had gestational diabetes affect a future pregnancy?

Having had gestational diabetes means you have a higher chance of developing it again. Your maternity team will take this into account and arrange appropriate testing and monitoring during a future pregnancy.

Healthy lifestyle

Do I need to follow a special diet forever?

No. The aim is a balanced, enjoyable and sustainable way of eating, rather than a restrictive diet.

Can I still eat carbohydrates?

Yes. Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. Choosing higher-fibre, wholegrain options and appropriate portion sizes can support healthy blood glucose levels and your overall health.

Do I have to lose weight?

Not everyone needs to. If weight loss would benefit your health, your coach can support you to make gradual, realistic changes that work for you.

How much activity should I aim for?

Guidance is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week and build up to muscle-strengthening activities twice a week. After having a baby, build up gradually according to how you feel and your individual recovery. Short walks, active play and moving more as part of your daily routine all count and add up.

The programme

What support will I get from the programme?

You’ll receive personalised support from a health coach to make realistic, sustainable changes that work for you and your circumstances. Together, you’ll explore areas such as healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, motivation and maintaining healthy habits, with a focus on reducing your future risk of type 2 diabetes.

What if I find it difficult to make changes with a new baby or other commitments?

Making changes does not have to mean changing everything at once. Your coach will work with you to identify realistic goals that fit around your circumstances and help you find ways to overcome barriers along the way.

Common concerns

I feel guilty that I had gestational diabetes.

Many women feel this way. Gestational diabetes is common and is not your fault. The important thing is the positive steps you can take now for your future health and wellbeing.

I’m worried I’ll develop diabetes despite making changes.

Lifestyle changes can reduce your risk but cannot remove it completely. Regular health checks and maintaining healthy habits are important for your longer-term health. Your coach will also support you with motivation, managing barriers and maintaining changes over time.

My family don’t understand why I’m making these changes.

Explaining that the changes can help lower your future risk of type 2 diabetes may help. Involving family in meals and activity can also turn healthy changes into something you do together.

Is it too late if my pregnancy was several years ago?

No. It is still worthwhile taking positive steps to support your health and reduce your future risk of type 2 diabetes.