What should you know about gestational diabetes range?

Your target can depend on when the sample is taken, such as before eating or after a meal, and on the testing method used. A single result gives limited information; patterns across the times your team chose are more useful. Do not compare your target with another pregnant person's target or change it yourself.

Readings above range may mean that your care plan needs review. Readings below range can also matter, especially if you feel shaky, sweaty, dizzy, confused or faint. Your clinician can explain whether a result needs action and how quickly to repeat it.

Wash and dry your hands, use the meter as instructed, and record the time, food context and result. If a reading seems unexpected, check the technique and contact your team before making a large change. Follow the agreed meal, activity and medication plan; pregnancy needs can shift over time.

Ask whether you need a glucose tolerance test, how to prepare for it and which results should be reported. A growth scan may be suggested when the team wants additional information about the baby's size or growth pattern.

Contact your maternity team about repeated readings outside your agreed range, vomiting that prevents food or fluids, or symptoms of low glucose that do not settle according to your plan. Seek urgent help for confusion, collapse, severe illness, heavy bleeding, severe pain or reduced baby movements.

What are my before-meal and after-meal targets? How long after eating should I test? Which readings need a phone call? What should I do if I miss a test or feel unwell? Will my targets change later in pregnancy or after birth?