During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes to support the growing baby.
One of these changes involves the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the body may struggle to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. This can lead to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, which is the definition of gestational diabetes.

The reasons behind this rise in gestational diabetes are not due to one factor, but rather a combination of modern-day living and lifestyle changes.
Factors like increased rates of overweight and obesity, late pregnancies, and changes in diet and physical activity have all contributed to the growing number of women developing gestational diabetes.

Dr. Himali Maniar, a leading gynecologist in Bopal, Ahmedabad, explains, “Gestational diabetes was once rare.
Today, I see more women struggling with it during pregnancy. This rise isn't due to one single factor—it's the result of evolving lifestyles, later pregnancies, and increasing obesity. Understanding the root cause is vital for prevention and early management.”

So, what exactly is gestational diabetes—and why is it showing up more than ever before?


Let’s start by understanding what’s actually happening inside the body when gestational diabetes strikes.