What is Glucosuria?

Why sugar is found in the urine of some pregnant women?

  • Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, it is common to find small amounts of sugar in urine which is saved after meals. Hence, it is important to save urine properly for antenatal check up.
  • If your urine is positive for sugar, medical staff will reassess your health condition and advise you to have urine retested or blood test for gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes

  • Generally speaking, if a pregnant woman has the following risk factors, her chance of having gestational diabetes is higher.
    • Advanced maternal age (over 35 years)
    • History of polycystic ovary syndrome
    • History of gestational diabetes
    • Had delivered a baby with birth weight over 4 kg
    • Family history of diabetes in first degree relatives
    • Overweight
  • Blood test is required for screening gestational diabetes for them.
  • If a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes does not receive proper treatment, both she and her foetus can be seriously affected. (e.g. the baby being large for its gestational age, premature birth etc.), so follow dietitian and doctor advice on dietary control.
  • Appropriate physical activity can prevent gestational diabetes
    For more details, please refer to “Staying Physically Active During Pregnancy” leaflet

Postnatal notes

  • A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes carries a higher risk of later developing type 2 diabetes.
  • The majority of people with type 2 diabetes may not have any symptoms in the early stage, therefore those with history of gestational diabetes are advised to arrange regular checkups with their family doctor or enroll with our Women Health Service (please visit http://s.fhs.gov.hk/w23l7 for more information)