Rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the United States have risen steadily over recent years, increasing every year from 2016 to 2024 and climbing by an estimated 36% overall, according to newly analyzed national birth data. The trend highlights a growing public health concern with significant implications for maternal and child health.

A Widespread and Consistent Increase

The rise in gestational diabetes was observed across all racial and ethnic groups, underscoring that the issue is widespread rather than confined to specific populations. However, despite the universal upward trend, long-standing disparities remain, with certain racial and ethnic groups continuing to experience disproportionately higher rates of GDM.

Researchers emphasize that these disparities reflect broader structural and social determinants of health, including unequal access to preventive care, nutrition, and chronic disease management before and during pregnancy.

Key Factors Driving the Trend

Experts attribute the steady increase in gestational diabetes to a convergence of several demographic, metabolic, and lifestyle-related factors. One of the most significant contributors is the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among women entering pregnancy. Excess body weight before conception is a well-established risk factor for insulin resistance and gestational diabetes.

In addition, maternal age at pregnancy has been steadily rising in the US. Older maternal age is associated with higher metabolic risk, including impaired glucose tolerance, which increases the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Researchers also point to a higher burden of metabolic risk factors—such as prediabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia—present before pregnancy, leaving many women more vulnerable to glucose dysregulation once pregnant.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic may have further accelerated the rise in gestational diabetes rates. During this period, many women experienced reduced access to routine preventive and prenatal care, disruptions in healthcare services, and delays in screening.

Lifestyle changes linked to the pandemic may also have played a role. Reduced physical activity, increased stress, dietary changes, and pandemic-related weight gain likely contributed to worsening metabolic health among women of reproductive age. Chronic stress itself is known to affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, potentially increasing gestational diabetes risk.

Health Implications for Mothers and Babies

Gestational diabetes is associated with a range of short- and long-term health risks. For mothers, GDM increases the likelihood of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and the future development of type 2 diabetes. For infants, risks include high birth weight, birth injuries, neonatal hypoglycemia, and a greater likelihood of obesity and metabolic disease later in life.

Because of these risks, the rising prevalence of gestational diabetes places additional strain on healthcare systems and underscores the need for effective prevention and early intervention strategies.

Moving Forward: Prevention and Equity

Public health experts stress the importance of addressing gestational diabetes risk before pregnancy. Strategies include improving access to preconception care, supporting healthy weight management, promoting physical activity, and ensuring early and consistent prenatal screening.

Reducing disparities will require targeted efforts to address social and structural barriers to care, as well as culturally appropriate interventions that support metabolic health across diverse communities.

Conclusion

The steady rise in gestational diabetes rates in the United States from 2016 to 2024 represents a significant and growing challenge for maternal and child health. Driven by increasing prepregnancy obesity, older maternal age, greater metabolic risk, and pandemic-related lifestyle and healthcare disruptions, the trend highlights an urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies and equitable healthcare access. Early intervention and sustained public health efforts will be critical to reversing this trajectory and improving outcomes for future generations.