Does gestational diabetes go away after pregnancy? Usually, yes. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says gestational diabetes goes away after childbirth. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says insulin resistance drops quickly once the placenta is delivered. But the story does not end at birth. ACOG says some people had mild diabetes before pregnancy without knowing it, and for them it does not go away. And everyone who had gestational diabetes has a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later, so follow-up testing matters.
Key takeaways
- Blood sugar usually returns to normal after birth. MedlinePlus says your level often goes back to normal after delivery.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADA, and ACOG all recommend a diabetes test 4 to 12 weeks after birth.
- ADA, ACOG, and CDC recommend testing every 1 to 3 years after that. NIDDK's older patient page says every 3 years.
- CDC says about half of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. ADA estimates the lifetime risk at 50% to 60%.
- Breastfeeding, regular activity, healthy eating, and a lifestyle change program can help lower that risk.
What Happens Right After Birth
Gestational diabetes is driven by hormones from the placenta. Once the placenta is delivered, ADA says insulin resistance drops sharply. For most people, that means blood sugar falls back toward normal within days.
If you used insulin during pregnancy, ADA says insulin needs must be reviewed right after delivery because insulin resistance decreases so quickly. Any change to your insulin is your care team's decision. Ask for a plan before you go into labor.
ACOG adds an important exception. Some people diagnosed with gestational diabetes had mild diabetes before pregnancy and did not know it. For them, ACOG says diabetes does not go away after pregnancy and may be lifelong. ACOG says one third of women who had gestational diabetes will have diabetes or a milder form of high blood sugar soon after giving birth.
The Postpartum Diabetes Test
This test tells you whether your blood sugar really went back to normal.
When. CDC, ADA, and ACOG all say to get tested 4 to 12 weeks after birth. NIDDK says no later than 12 weeks. CDC's postpartum depression page gives 6 to 12 weeks. Ask your care team which timing they use.
Which test. ADA's 2026 guidance recommends a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 4 to 12 weeks. You fast, drink a sugar drink, and have blood drawn. ADA says the OGTT is preferred over an A1C at this visit, because A1C can still be affected by pregnancy and by blood loss at delivery.
Why it matters. ADA says gestational diabetes often represents prediabetes or type 2 diabetes that was not diagnosed before, a form of inherited diabetes called MODY, or even type 1 diabetes that is starting to develop. The test sorts this out.
Many people miss this test while caring for a newborn. Put it on your calendar before you leave the hospital. Ask your ob-gyn or primary care provider who will order it.
What Your Results Can Mean
| Result | What sources say to do |
|---|---|
| Normal | ADA, ACOG, and CDC say to keep testing every 1 to 3 years. NIDDK says every 3 years. |
| Prediabetes | For people with overweight or obesity, ADA recommends an intensive lifestyle program, metformin, or both. Your care team decides what fits you. See what A1C is considered diabetic for the ranges. |
| Diabetes | NIDDK says if your blood sugar is still high, you may have type 2 diabetes. Your care team will plan next steps. |
The sources do not agree on one schedule. ADA, ACOG, and CDC use "every 1 to 3 years." NIDDK's page, last reviewed in 2017, says every 3 years. ADA calls this lifelong screening. Ask your care team which schedule fits you.
Your Long-Term Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Sources describe the risk in different ways:
- CDC: About half of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
- ADA patient page: About 50% develop type 2 diabetes, and the risk is 10-fold compared with women who did not have gestational diabetes.
- ADA 2026 guidance: Lifetime risk is estimated at 50% to 60%. ADA cites a study in which risk rose steadily over time, from about 20% at 10 years to about 60% at 50 years.
- ACOG: Between 15% and 70% of women with gestational diabetes will develop diabetes later in life.
The ranges are wide because studies follow different groups for different lengths of time. The message is the same: the risk is real and lasts for years, which is why repeat testing is recommended. Learn more about how long it takes prediabetes to turn into diabetes.
ACOG also says gestational diabetes greatly raises the risk of diabetes in a later pregnancy. If you plan another pregnancy, ADA recommends testing for type 2 diabetes or prediabetes before you conceive, or before 15 weeks of pregnancy if you were not tested earlier.
Steps That Can Lower Your Risk
Breastfeed if you can. ADA recommends breastfeeding for people who had gestational diabetes for many benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. NIDDK says breastfeeding gives your baby the right balance of nutrients and helps you burn calories.
Move regularly. CDC suggests a goal of at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week, broken into smaller chunks if that is easier. Ask your care team when it is safe to start after birth.
Aim for a healthy weight over time. CDC says that if you have overweight, set a weight loss goal of 5% of your starting weight. That is about 10 pounds for a 200-pound person. CDC also says to allow yourself time to recover and adjust to life with a new baby.
Join a lifestyle change program. ADA says people who had gestational diabetes may qualify for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), which ADA says is proven to lower type 2 diabetes risk by 58%. CDC says women who had gestational diabetes can join a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program in person or online. Read our guide to the diabetes prevention program.
Talk about medicine if you have prediabetes. ADA's 2026 guidance says that in people with prediabetes and a history of gestational diabetes, a lifestyle program lowered progression to diabetes by 35% and metformin by 40% over 10 years, compared with placebo. These are group results from a study, not a promise for any one person. NIDDK says your doctor may recommend medicine such as metformin. See how metformin works.
For more prevention steps, see how to keep prediabetes from turning into diabetes.
Your Heart and Your Child's Health
Your heart. ACOG says that people who had high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy are at greater risk of heart disease and stroke later. Tell your doctor about these so your heart health can be followed over time.
Your child. ACOG says children of people who had gestational diabetes may be at higher risk of overweight and diabetes. Tell your baby's doctor that you had gestational diabetes so your child can be checked as they grow. NIDDK says healthy family habits may help protect your child from obesity or diabetes later in life.
Your Mental Health After Birth
CDC says gestational diabetes may raise the risk of postpartum depression, which can cause deep sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness for up to a year after birth. CDC advises talking to your doctor about symptoms, even if they do not ask. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, CDC lists 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Read more about diabetes and depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for gestational diabetes to go away after birth?
ADA says insulin resistance drops quickly once the placenta is delivered, so blood sugar usually falls soon after birth. The way to confirm it is a diabetes test 4 to 12 weeks after birth, as CDC, ADA, and ACOG recommend.
Can gestational diabetes turn into type 2 diabetes?
It can raise the risk a lot. CDC says about half of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes. ADA estimates the lifetime risk at 50% to 60%. Regular testing and healthy habits can help find and slow changes early.
What test is done after gestational diabetes?
ADA recommends a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test 4 to 12 weeks after birth. You fast, drink a sugar drink, and have blood drawn. ADA says this test is preferred over an A1C at this visit because pregnancy and delivery can affect A1C.
How often should I be tested after gestational diabetes?
ADA, ACOG, and CDC say every 1 to 3 years if your postpartum test is normal. NIDDK's older patient page says every 3 years. Ask your care team which schedule fits your risk.
Does breastfeeding lower the risk of diabetes after gestational diabetes?
ADA recommends breastfeeding for people who had gestational diabetes, in part because it is linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. If breastfeeding is not possible, other steps like activity and healthy eating still help.
Will I get gestational diabetes again in my next pregnancy?
The risk is higher. ACOG says gestational diabetes greatly raises the risk of diabetes in a later pregnancy. ADA recommends testing before your next pregnancy, or before 15 weeks if you were not tested earlier.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Gestational Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Diabetes. “15. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026.” Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl. 1):S321–S338. Accessed October 2026.
- American Diabetes Association. “Gestational Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Diabetes During Pregnancy.” Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Gestational Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Gestational Diabetes and Postpartum Depression.” Accessed October 2026.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “After Your Baby Is Born.” Last reviewed May 2017. Accessed October 2026.
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. “Gestational diabetes.” Review date May 29, 2026. Accessed October 2026.
Next Steps
Book your postpartum diabetes test for 4 to 12 weeks after birth, and set a reminder for repeat testing every 1 to 3 years, or as your care team advises. Our diabetes and pregnancy guide covers the full picture.
For adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes after a gestational diabetes pregnancy who want lifestyle education alongside clinical care, the Done With Diabetes™ program, a natural protocol for type 2 diabetes, organizes learning about meals, movement, sleep, and stress. It does not diagnose or treat diabetes, interpret test results, change medicines, or replace your care team.