Hi mummas,
In India, diabetes is becoming very common — not just in older people, but even in young women. Many women do not even know they have borderline or early diabetes before pregnancy.
That is why blood sugar testing during pregnancy is not just a routine formality. It is an important step in protecting both you and your baby.
There are two important phases of diabetes screening in pregnancy:
- Screening for pre-existing or undiagnosed diabetes in early pregnancy
- Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the second trimester
Let us understand both in a simple way.
Why is early screening important?
At your first prenatal visit, your gynecologist may advise blood sugar tests — especially if you have certain risk factors.
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23 kg/m² or higher (which is considered overweight for Indians)
- Are above 30 years of age
- Have PCOS
- Have high blood pressure
- Have a history of high cholesterol or abnormal blood sugar
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Lead a physically inactive lifestyle
In India, many women enter pregnancy with undiagnosed diabetes because routine screening before marriage or pregnancy is not common.
If high blood sugar is present in early pregnancy and goes untreated, it can increase the risk of:
- Birth defects
- Poor early fetal development
- Miscarriage
The good news is that if detected early, it can be managed safely.
How is early diabetes diagnosed?
The preferred test is HbA1c.
HbA1c gives an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It is more reliable than a single random sugar test.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA):
- HbA1c 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes
- Fasting blood sugar 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes
- 2-hour sugar after 75g glucose 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes
- Random sugar 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms also suggests diabetes
If diabetes is confirmed, your doctor will guide you step by step. You may be referred to an endocrinologist and advised:
- Diet changes
- Regular blood sugar monitoring
- Exercise
- Medication like metformin or insulin if required
Many women manage their sugars very well with proper guidance and go on to have healthy pregnancies.
What if results are borderline?
If your HbA1c is between 5.9% and 6.4%, or fasting sugar is between 92 and 125 mg/dL, it suggests early abnormal glucose metabolism.
This does not mean full diabetes.
But it does mean you are at higher risk of developing Gestational Diabetes later in pregnancy.
In this situation, starting diet control and regular walking early can make a big difference. You will be screened again at 24–28 weeks.
Quick tip
Ask for a blood sugar test at your first prenatal visit. Early screening can catch hidden diabetes and help keep you and your baby safe.
Mummas, diabetes screening in pregnancy is not something to fear. It is something to be mindful about. Many women feel completely fine and still have borderline or high sugars. That is why early testing and timely GDM screening matter so much.
The reassuring part is this: when detected early, blood sugar levels can usually be managed very well with simple diet changes, regular walking, monitoring, and proper medical guidance.
So do not skip your tests or delay them. Screening is not about finding a problem. It is about protecting you and your baby at the right time.
A little awareness today can make a big difference for your baby’s tomorrow.
Faster Care Tip: Skip the pharmacy rush! Order your baby care essentials and medicines online — it’s fast, safe, and delivered right to your doorstep. A few clicks today can save you a last-minute pharmacy run tomorrow.
Last medically reviewed on January 20, 2026 by Dr. Bhavya Doshi Jain
MBBS (AFMC), MS, FMAS, MNAMS, PDCC ( AIIMS R)
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist
