Although any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, some women are at higher risk. Many of the factors cannot be controlled, such as race, family history of diabetes or previous pregnancy complications. Other factors, such as weight before pregnancy, can be controlled.

Being overweight or obese prior to pregnancy is one of the leading causes of gestational diabetes in women. Frequently, the higher weight is associated with high blood glucose (hyperglycemia), prediabetes and insulin resistance.

The best way to help prevent gestational diabetes is to have a healthy body weight and normal blood glucose before becoming pregnant. In addition, glucose should be at a controlled, safe level. There is a much better chance of a having a normal pregnancy without gestational diabetes if the mother is healthy and active before becoming pregnant.

In addition, studies have shown that regular exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes. Recent research suggests that periodontal disease is common in women with gestational diabetes and that dental care during pregnancy may reduce its risk.