What Is Gestational Diabetes in Surrogacy?

Last updated: · · Based on data from 196+ surrogacy agency compensation packages

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels. It's monitored in all pregnancies (including surrogacies) through a glucose tolerance test around 24–28 weeks and managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.

Why Gestational Diabetes Matters for Surrogates

Gestational diabetes is relatively common — affecting about 6–9% of all pregnancies — and is generally manageable. It doesn't disqualify you from being a surrogate in most cases, but it does mean additional monitoring, possible dietary restrictions, and closer follow-up care. Your surrogacy contract should address complications like this in terms of additional medical costs.

How Gestational Diabetes Works in Surrogacy

Screening: You'll drink a glucose solution and have blood drawn 1 hour later (the 1-hour glucose challenge test). If results are elevated, you'll do a longer 3-hour glucose tolerance test. Diagnosis is confirmed if two or more values on the 3-hour test exceed thresholds. Management typically involves diet modification, blood sugar monitoring, and possibly insulin — all managed by your OB.

Real-World Example

A surrogate who develops gestational diabetes mid-journey may need additional OB appointments and nutrition counseling. The intended parents cover all medical costs per the contract. Gestational diabetes typically resolves within weeks of delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gestational diabetes in surrogacy?
Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically diagnosed around 24–28 weeks. It can occur in surrogate pregnancies and requires diet modifications, monitoring, and sometimes medication. It usually resolves after delivery.
Are surrogates at risk for gestational diabetes?
Risk factors include age over 25, BMI over 25, family history of diabetes, and carrying multiples. Surrogacy medical screening evaluates these risk factors, and monitoring during pregnancy catches it early if it develops.
Who pays for gestational diabetes treatment during surrogacy?
All pregnancy-related medical costs, including gestational diabetes monitoring and treatment, are covered by the surrogacy arrangement — either through the surrogate's insurance or directly by the intended parents. The surrogate pays nothing out of pocket for pregnancy-related care.

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Source: SurroScore's proprietary database of surrogate-reported compensation data and agency compensation packages, collected from direct agency outreach, public filings, and verified surrogate reviews. Data current as of March 2026.