Many women with gestational diabetes experience no symptoms. Some women may experience symptoms similar to those seen with type 2 diabetes. These symptoms may include:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased urination (polyuria)
• Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite (polyphagia)
• Fatigue, weakness or shaking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Yeast infections or other infections

Many of these symptoms are common during pregnancy, such as fatigue and frequent urination. For that reason, women may not recognize the symptoms as an indication of gestational diabetes.

Another sign of possible gestational diabetes is glucose in the urine (glucosuria). Physicians perform routine urine tests during prenatal visits. If the urine shows sign of glucose, it may indicate gestational diabetes. Ketones, waste products that can be found in urine as well, may indicate inadequate insulin or hyperglycemia, an excess amount of glucose in the blood. These conditions are associated with gestational diabetes. Glucose and ketones can be detected with a simple urine test.