Rate of Gestational Diabetes Increased 36 Percent Over the Last Decade in the United States

Rates of gestational diabetes have climbed sharply in the United States over the past decade, according to new research from Northwestern University.

The study, which analyzed data from 12.6 million first-time, single-baby births, found that cases of gestational diabetes increased by 36% between 2016 and 2024. When compared with earlier research covering 2011 to 2019, the findings suggest the condition has been steadily rising for nearly 15 years.

“Gestational diabetes has been persistently increasing for more than 10 years, which means whatever we have been trying to do to address diabetes in pregnancy has not been working,” said senior author Dr. Nilay Shah, an assistant professor of cardiology at Northwestern University.

Gestational diabetes is defined as glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed during pregnancy. The condition can pose serious risks during pregnancy and increases the likelihood of developing diabetes and heart disease later in life for both the mother and the child.

Shah attributed the growing rates largely to declining overall health among young adults nationwide.

“The health of young adults has been persistently worsening — less healthful diets, less exercise, more obesity,” Shah said. “These trends likely underlie why the rates of diabetes during pregnancy have gone up.”

The researchers also examined differences across racial and ethnic groups. They found that gestational diabetes rates were significantly higher among women who are American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, or from other Pacific Islander communities.

“The reasons for the differences in gestational diabetes rate across individual groups are an important area to further research,” Shah said.

He added that the findings point to broader systemic challenges. “These data clearly show that we are not doing enough to support the health of the U.S. population, especially young women before and during pregnancy,” Shah said. “Public health and policy interventions should focus on helping all people access high-quality care and have the time and means to maintain healthful behaviors.”