From the Guidelines
During pregnancy, the goal glucose levels at 1-hour postprandial should be less than 7.8 mmol/L, and at 2-hours postprandial should be less than 6.7 mmol/L following meals. These targets are specifically designed for women with gestational diabetes or pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy, as outlined in the 2025 standards of care in diabetes 1. Maintaining these glucose levels is crucial because elevated blood glucose can cross the placenta and lead to excessive fetal growth, potentially causing complications during delivery and increasing the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia.
To achieve these targets, pregnant women should follow a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake, regular physical activity as approved by their healthcare provider, and frequent blood glucose monitoring. Meals should be spaced evenly throughout the day, with appropriate portion sizes. The goal glucose levels are as follows:
- 1-hour postprandial glucose: less than 7.8 mmol/L
- 2-hour postprandial glucose: less than 6.7 mmol/L If dietary measures and exercise are insufficient to maintain these glucose levels, medication such as insulin may be prescribed, with the aim of achieving a fasting glucose level of 3.9-5.3 mmol/L, as recommended by the standards of care in diabetes 1. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the management plan are essential as insulin requirements typically increase throughout pregnancy due to increasing insulin resistance caused by placental hormones.
From the Research
Goal Glucose Levels During Pregnancy
The goal glucose levels during pregnancy are crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the fetus.
- The studies provided do not explicitly state the goal glucose levels at 1-hour and 2-hour postprandial following meals in mmol/L 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, one study mentions that patterns of hyperglycemia after meals (>140 mg/dL) were analyzed, which can be converted to mmol/L as approximately 7.8 mmol/L 5.
- It is essential to note that the conversion from mg/dL to mmol/L is approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific conversion factor used.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) provide guidelines for glucose targets during pregnancy, but these are not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal glucose targets for women with gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes during pregnancy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.