Treatment of impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy

Impaired glucose tolerance means the body is having difficulty keeping blood glucose within the range expected after a glucose assessment. Pregnancy hormones can make insulin work less effectively. This finding is not a prediction that you will develop type 2 diabetes, and symptoms may be absent; excessive thirst or frequent urination can have other explanations in pregnancy.

Your maternity team may discuss repeat checks, home readings or a formal diabetes screening test. The result is interpreted alongside your stage of pregnancy, medical history and the baby's growth.

Keep a record of glucose readings, meals and symptoms if your team asks you to monitor at home. A nutrition counsellor can help spread carbohydrate-containing foods through the day and choose balanced meals without unsafe restriction. Gentle activity may be recommended when it is suitable for your pregnancy; follow any limits from your maternity clinician.

If readings stay high despite the agreed plan, your clinician may prescribe medicine and explain how to use it. Attend growth checks and appointments, and tell the team about vomiting, inability to eat, reduced movement later in pregnancy, or any medicine you take.

Contact your maternity service promptly if readings are repeatedly outside the range they gave you, or if you cannot keep fluids down. Seek urgent help for fainting, confusion, severe weakness, severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or reduced fetal movement when that is relevant to your stage of pregnancy. Do not change food, activity or medicine plans to correct a reading without advice.

Ask which readings to record, when to test, what targets apply to you, how meals and activity should be adapted, and when medicine is considered. Ask how often you need growth checks and whether you need follow-up screening after birth.