For National Diabetes Week this year (12-18 July) we’re encouraging you to grow your diabetes village. In this post, diabetes educator and midwife JULIE DAWSON explains her role in your support team.  

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, or GDM, is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Gestational diabetes is currently the fastest-growing type of diabetes in Australia, with around one in seven women who gave birth in WA diagnosed with GDM in 2024, although the total number is likely to be higher as this figure does not include all pregnancies.

Diagnosis usually occurs during a routine Oral Glucose Tolerance Test at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy; however, the test is sometimes done earlier in women who have a higher risk of developing GDM.

Many women with GDM go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies. Early diagnosis through the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and proactive management can make a significant difference, leading to a safe and healthy pregnancy journey for both mother and baby.

As a midwife, I know the importance for women with gestational diabetes and their babies of getting the support, diabetes self-management education and follow-up with a diabetes educator through their pregnancy and into the postpartum period.

The Diabetes WA GDM clinic

Pregnancy is already a time of big adjustments and emotions, and for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, there are added concerns.

For those in rural or remote areas diagnosed with GDM, access to local health services can be limited. The Diabetes WA GDM clinic was founded in late 2020 to support those mothers.

We know GDM can lead to type 2 diabetes in the long term and presents its own risks in pregnancy, labour and birth for both the mother and baby.

Having a good relationship with your diabetes educator as you navigate diabetes in pregnancy is crucial to empowering women with their diabetes self-management. The research proves that continuity of care in pregnancy improves outcomes for women and their babies.

Working as a diabetes educator here at Diabetes WA is about helping people in the community to understand their diabetes, live well and avoid hospital admissions. There’s a real focus on preventative care and community-based education, which I find very rewarding.

I believe that, although managing gestational diabetes through pregnancy is a challenging time, if women are given the information and support they need, they can help themselves to reduce the risks by following simple healthy lifestyle recommendations.

Would you like support with gestational diabetes? 

The GDM Telehealth clinic is free to all pregnant women living in rural or remote Western Australia who have recently been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and are looking for support through their pregnancy.  

We take referrals from obstetric services we regularly collaborate with, or alternatively, you can self-refer via our telehealth service by calling the Diabetes WA helpline on 1300 001 880.  

We also see women with gestational diabetes at our metro clinics for face-to-face appointments, and anyone living in Western Australia with questions about diabetes can call our free Helpline on 1300 001 880.  

Diabetes WA also offers Baby Steps, a free online program that supports women who have had gestational diabetes to implement lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You will find short videos, learning sessions, interactive activities and a place to chat to other mums.

For National Diabetes Week this year (12-18 July) we’re encouraging you to grow your diabetes village.

You can find all our National Diabetes Week resources here.