Have you been told that you could develop gestational diabetes becuase you have PCOS?
As a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes and women’s health, I’ve had the privilege of working with many amazing moms-to-be navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy.
If you’re living with PCOS, you might already know it can add a few extra layers of complexity to your health journey – especially when it comes to pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes.
In fact, research has shown that women with PCOS are two times more likely to develop gestational diabetes in their pregnancies.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help you understand why PCOS increases your risk, what to watch for, and how to manage your blood sugars.
Lets dive in!
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a super common hormonal condition that affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
It’s a complex condition that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and challenges with ovulation.
One of the hallmarks of PCOS (that I love to geek out on) is insulin resistance, which means your body has a harder time using insulin effectively.
This can lead to higher insulin levels, which not only impact blood sugar regulation but also contribute to weight gain and hormonal imbalances. These factors play a significant role in the link between PCOS and gestational diabetes.
PCOS looks different for everyone, so whether you’re dealing with acne, hair loss, weight changes, or trying to conceive, understanding how it affects your body is key to managing it especially during pregnancy.
New to PCOS? Start with our beginner-friendly overview of the condition to get a solid foundation before diving into more complex topics.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and typically goes away after delivery. Up to 1 in 5 Canadian women will develop it during their pregnancy!!
Gestational diabetes happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin to keep up with the increased demands of pregnancy. As a result, blood sugar levels can rise higher than normal, which can impact both mom and baby if left unmanaged.
Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed in the second trimester, and while it’s temporary, it’s something to take pretty seriously. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications like having a larger baby, needing a C-section, having to deliver early, or developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
However, I can’t say this enough – gestational diabetes is not your fault!! It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, it doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom, and it certainly doesn’t mean you could have prevented it.
Truthfully, some people just get it and some people don’t! The placenta produces all sorts of hormones to support your baby’s growth and development, but some of these hormones can interfere with how your body uses insulin.
The good news is that with proper care—like following a balanced diet, staying active, and monitoring blood sugar—most women with gestational diabetes can have a very healthy pregnancy and very healthy babies.
How PCOS Increases the Risk of Gestational Diabetes
Females with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, and it all ties back to how PCOS affects the body’s hormones and metabolism.
The key factor here is insulin resistance.
During pregnancy, insulin resistance naturally increases (thanks to those pesky hormones from the placenta). But if you already have insulin resistance before pregnancy (like in PCOS), this extra strain can push your body over the edge, making it harder to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Strategies to Reduce Your Risk
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent gestational diabetes, there are some strategies that may help reduce your risk.
That said, it’s important to remember that gestational diabetes isn’t something you can always control and it’s not a reflection of your health, your efforts, or your worth as a person.
Some people are simply more prone to it due to genetics, hormones, or pre-existing conditions like PCOS. And that is okay ☺
Strategy 1: Nourish Your Body with Balanced Meals
Eating a well-balanced diet before and during pregnancy can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Focus on:
- Whole grains like oats, quinoa, brown rice, or whole-wheat bread.
- Lean proteins such as eggs, chicken, tofu, or fish.
- Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Plenty of fruits and veggies
There’s no need to “cut carbs” or follow strict rules. Just aim for balance at each meal and snack.
Before and during pregnancy is a wonderful time to work with a women’s health nutritionist. As a Halifax registered dietitian, I’m here to help you navigate your gestational diabetes journey with personalized guidance. I offer one-on-one nutrition counseling to help you find the best strategies to support your pregnancy.
Strategy 2: Stay Active
Gentle movement, like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, can help improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin and keep blood sugar levels stable.
Choose activities you enjoy and that feel good for your body during pregnancy.
Strategy 3: Get Screened
Regular check-ups with your healthcare team are crucial.
In Canada, all pregnant women should have a gestational diabetes screen at around 24-28 weeks’ gestation. This is the best way to check for gestational diabetes.
Strategy 4: Know that Genetics Play a Role
Even if you do everything “right,” you might still get gestational diabetes due to things like family history, insulin resistance, or hormonal shifts in pregnancy. This isn’t a failure on your part—it’s simply how pregnancy (and the placenta) works for some people.
Remember, having gestational diabetes is not a moral failing or something you need to feel ashamed of. It’s a common condition that can happen to anyone, and with the right support, you can still have a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Managing Gestational Diabetes with PCOS
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and have PCOS, you may feel overwhelmed, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can manage your blood sugar levels and have a healthy pregnancy.
Treatment for GDM often involves a combination of medical care, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
Dietary Recommendations
Managing gestational diabetes with PCOS requires some level attention to your diet, but it doesn’t mean you need to follow a restrictive plan. Instead, focus on balanced meals and GDM friendly snacks that help regulate blood sugar:
- Prioritize complex carbs such as whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat), legumes, and vegetables. These foods are high in fiber and cause a slower, steadier rise in blood sugar.
- Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, tofu, and fish help stabilize blood sugar and keep you full longer.
- Healthy fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can also help regulate blood sugar and support heart health.
- Limit refined sugars and processed carbs like fruit juices, pop, and sugary beverages, which can cause blood sugar spikes.
If you’re unsure about which foods to focus on or how to make these changes in your life, working with a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes and women’s health can help you develop a personalized plan.
Monitoring Blood Sugars
Monitoring your blood sugar is essential to managing gestational diabetes, and with PCOS, it can be especially helpful in tracking how your body responds to food, exercise, and medication.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you check your blood sugar several times a day (typically after meals and sometimes first thing in the morning). You’ll need a blood glucose meter to prick your finger and test your levels at home. It’s important to track your readings to understand how your body responds to different foods and activities.
Your healthcare provider will give you target blood sugar levels to aim for. In general, for gestational diabetes, fasting blood glucose should be below 5.3mmol/L, and 1 hour after meals below 7.8mmol/L, but always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Medical Treatments
When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to keep blood sugar levels in check, medication may be prescribed. Again, this is NOT a failure on your end!
Your healthcare team will work closely with you to decide the best medication based on your specific needs. Common ones include metformin and insulin.
FAQs
Does PCOS cause gestational diabetes?
No, but PCOS increases the risk of gestational diabetes due to insulin resistance. During pregnancy, insulin resistance naturally increases (thanks to hormones from the placenta). But if you already have insulin resistance before pregnancy (like in PCOS), this extra strain can push your body over the edge, making it harder to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Can I prevent gestational diabetes if I have PCOS?
While there’s no surefire way to prevent gestational diabetes, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly can help. But even with all the right strategies, it’s still possible for gestational diabetes to develop.
What are the main symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes often has no obvious symptoms, which is why prenatal screening is so important. Some people may experience increased thirst, having to pee a lot, and fatigue, but what pregnant woman doesn’t have all those symptoms?! The only way to know for sure is through a screening during the 24-28th week in pregnancy.
How is gestational diabetes managed?
Gestational diabetes is managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. This typically includes a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels. In some cases, medications like insulin or metformin may be needed.
Does gestational diabetes go away after pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes typically resolves after delivery, as your body no longer has the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. However, if you’ve had gestational diabetes you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Can I have a healthy pregnancy with PCOS?
Yes, absolutely! With proper prenatal care, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments, it’s entirely possible to manage PCOS and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Looking for More Women’s Health Nutrition Tips?
As a Halifax dietitian, I’ve got your back! Improve your eating habits with my PCOS Plate EBook and get back to what truly makes you feel good, inside and out.
As a nutritionist specializing in women’s health and PCOS, I’ve got the knowledge and experience to help you improve your health and glow from the inside out.
What are you waiting for? Get Your Guide to Thriving with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for delicious recipes, simple hacks, and tips for eating well with PCOS from a registered dietitian in Halifax.
Madison is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator passionate about helping women with PCOS navigate nutrition with confidence. Through science-backed nutrition and lifestyle strategies, she shares practical, sustainable approaches to support hormone health, blood sugar balance, and a healthier relationship with food — one meal at a time.