Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, is becoming increasingly common worldwide. Health experts and researchers have observed a worrying rise in the number of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in recent years, a trend driven by changing lifestyles, rising obesity rates, delayed pregnancies and improved screening practices.

One of the most significant factors contributing to the rise in gestational diabetes is the trend of women conceiving at older ages. Many women today delay pregnancy due to career planning, education and personal choices. Advanced maternal age is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and higher baseline metabolic risk, making these women more susceptible to developing GDM during pregnancy. 

Another major driver is the global increase in overweight and obesity, which significantly raises the risk of gestational diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle, high intake of calorie-dense and processed foods, and low physical activity contribute to excess weight gain. These factors promote insulin resistance — a state where the body’s cells respond less effectively to the action of insulin — which, combined with pregnancy-related hormonal changes, can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.

Dietary patterns have also shifted in recent decades. Traditional diets rich in whole grains, vegetables and natural fibre are being replaced by refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks and unhealthy fats. Such diets can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and strain the body’s glucose-regulating mechanisms.

In addition to lifestyle and dietary factors, genetics and family history of diabetes play a role. Women with a family history of type 2 diabetes or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a substantially higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. As type 2 diabetes becomes more common in the general population, its influence on GDM trends grows as well.

It’s also important to recognize that better screening and awareness contribute to increased diagnoses. Modern antenatal care often includes routine glucose testing between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, which helps detect cases that might previously have gone unnoticed. While improved screening partly explains the rising numbers, experts emphasize that the actual incidence is genuinely increasing, not just detection rates. 

From a global perspective, research indicates that gestational diabetes prevalence is climbing steadily. For example, in the United States, rates of gestational diabetes have increased consistently over years, rising across all racial and ethnic groups. 

This rise is concerning because GDM can pose health risks for both expectant mothers and babies. Mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and may require cesarean delivery. Babies born to mothers with untreated GDM may face complications such as macrosomia (excessive birth weight), low blood sugar after birth and a greater likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. 

Prevention and management focus on healthy lifestyle habits: maintaining a balanced diet, regular gentle exercise appropriate for pregnancy, monitoring blood sugar levels and achieving a healthy weight before pregnancy. Regular antenatal care and early screening help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.

In summary, gestational diabetes is on the rise due to a combination of demographic shifts, lifestyle factors, dietary changes and improved detection. Awareness, early screening and healthy habits remain key to mitigating its impact on mothers and babies.