Summarize:

It's possible for anyone who is pregnant to develop GDM. However, there are some factors that increase your risk. Review your own health and medical history for the following:  Obesity, which is when your BMI is over 30. A family history of type 2 diabetes Current impaired glucose tolerance In a previous pregnancy: GDM, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, or A1C over 5.7 percent.  Glycosuria (glucose in the urine test) at the first prenatal visit Being pregnant with multiple babies at once (e.g., twins, triplets, etc.) Being over 25 years of age Having African-American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, or Pacific Islander ethnicity At any time during your pregnancy, create a journal to document any symptoms of GDM you experience. Share this information with your doctor at your next appointment. If symptoms are disruptive or frequent, you may want to contact your doctor between appointments for advice. In particular, be on the lookout for:  Unusual thirst Frequent urination Fatigue Nausea Blurred vision Frequent vaginal, bladder, or skin infections Many of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes are the same as the risk factors for GDM. If 2 or more of the risk factors are true for you, ask your doctor for a diabetes screening at your first prenatal appointment. If you currently have impaired glucose intolerance, your doctor may automatically order screening.  You can take a type 2 diabetes risk test online at http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/. A non-fasting glucose level of >200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) may result in a diagnosis in diabetes, provided a similar level is shown the day after your first test. If you show diabetic symptoms during the first trimester, you likely don't have GDM, but type 2 diabetes. Careful monitoring of your condition is essential to ensure you give birth to a healthy baby. Even if you didn't have glucose levels consistent with diabetes at the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor will likely screen for GDM once you are further along. Most doctors will screen all women at this point in pregnancy because the risk factors are so common.  If you had any of the risk factors associated with GDM and your doctor doesn't order GDM testing, request it specifically.  If you've told your doctor about GDM symptoms you've been experiencing, they may also test for sugar in your urine, another symptom of GDM.
Evaluate the risk factors for GDM. Document and analyze any symptoms of GDM. Get a pre-screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes if you are at risk. Have GDM testing at 24 to 28 weeks gestation.