Gestational diabetes was a big part of Meghan Trainor’s weight loss – but you have questions

Grammy-winning singer Meghan Trainor has openly shared that a gestational diabetes diagnosis while she was pregnant helped shift her focus toward her long-term health and lifestyle, sparking a weight loss journey that saw her drop about 60 pounds.

A fresh focus, and it includes Mounjaro

In interviews reflecting on her journey, Meghan Trainor explained that it was the moment she found out she had gestational diabetes that she became serious about her health. She has said that being diagnosed while pregnant made her realise she wanted to be stronger overall, and in her whole body health. 

Not just for her career – she’s talked a lot about the demands of the industry she’s in, saying ‘I just want to feel good. Because this job is hard to do if you don’t feel good’ – but for her future life and her children. She recalls lifting her baby from the crib and her back ‘giving out’ – one I know I can identify with. 

Meghan says her decision was rooted in education, fitness, nutrition and wellness. As part of this, she’s incorporated regular strength training, worked with a dietitian and even discussed using medications such as Mounjaro (a medication originally developed for type 2 diabetes but used in some cases to manage weight and blood glucose levels) as part of her overall lifestyle approach after pregnancy.

Does gestational diabetes go away after birth?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second half. It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it, leading to higher blood glucose (sugar) levels. In some cases, hormones made by the placenta can contribute to this insulin resistance.

Most women who develop gestational diabetes didn’t have diabetes before pregnancy. And importantly:

• It usually goes away after the baby is born.
• It does not mean you did something wrong – many healthy, active women get diagnosed despite no prior risk factors. We’ve covered lots on this topic in our deep-dive covering why you might develop gestational diabetes, even if your health is tip-top

And what if it doesn’t?

For most women, gestational diabetes does go away after delivery once the placenta is delivered and hormone levels change. After birth, doctors will check your blood glucose again (usually around 6-13 weeks postpartum), to make sure blood sugar levels have returned to normal. (nhs.uk)

However, if blood sugar remains elevated, it could mean you’ve developed type 2 diabetes, and ongoing monitoring is important. 

It’s estimated that around half of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

During pregnancy, gestational diabetes isn’t “reversed” in the way type 2 diabetes might be with long-term lifestyle changes. It is managed through diet, exercise, glucose monitoring and sometimes medication to keep blood sugar levels within safe ranges for you and your baby.

Once pregnancy ends, gestational diabetes typically resolves. But as we’ve covered, you may still have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Back to Meghan Trainor’s proactive weight loss, maintaining a healthy weight, balanced eating and regular activity can reduce future risk.

Can I refuse the glucose test when pregnant?

Glucose screening (often with a Glucose Tolerance Test) is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect both maternal and baby health.

Technically, any medical test can be declined – but glucose testing is an important part of prenatal care because gestational diabetes often has no symptoms. Most women don’t feel any changes even when their blood sugar is high.

Skipping this test without a discussion with your healthcare team isn’t usually recommended, because untreated gestational diabetes can increase risks such as large birth weight, delivery complications and blood sugar issues in the baby at birth.

I’m booked in – what should I eat before my gestational diabetes test?

Preparation depends on the type of test. For a glucose tolerance test, you may be asked to fast for 8-14 hours beforehand, meaning no food or drink except water.

In general, in the days leading up to screening, you don’t need to avoid particular foods unless instructed, but it’s good to continue a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Always follow your doctor or midwife’s instructions for your specific test.

I don’t have any symptoms – what does gestational diabetes “feel like”?

Many women experience no noticeable symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Some possible signs, like increased thirst, needing to urinate more often, tiredness, or blurred vision, can also mimic normal pregnancy changes. 

That’s why testing, not how you feel, is usually what determines the diagnosis.

I’m thirsty all the time during pregnancy – should I be worried?

Feeling super-thirsty in pregnancy is common and can be due to many factors, including increased blood volume. I can absolutely identify here – I drank far more water than usual during both my pregnancies, and from quite an early stage. 

Increased thirst can also be a sign of high blood sugar, which can – especially alongside frequent urination – warrant checking for gestational diabetes.

If you’re pregnant and have questions about gestational diabetes, your glucose tests, or symptoms you’re noticing, talk to your healthcare provider. And remember: detecting and managing gestational diabetes early can make a big difference for both you and your baby.

On your reading list: Can you be healthy and still get gestational diabetes?

Image credit: Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images