Gestational Diabetes

 



Q1. What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes occurs when the blood glucose level exceeds the normal range in a glucose tolerance test during pregnancy.
 
Q2. Who are at risk of gestational diabetes?
The risk of gestational diabetes increases with maternal age, i.e. 35 or above. Other risk factors include having given birth to more than two children, a history of frequent pregnancies, a family history of diabetes in close relatives, being overweight (a high BMI), and polycystic ovary syndrome. All these factors contribute to a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
 
Q3. How does gestational diabetes affect the mother and the baby?
Gestational diabetes increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure, bleeding, premature birth, the need for a caesarean section at delivery, difficult labour, or postpartum haemorrhage. Babies may develop jaundice. Excessive birth weight may affect delivery and increase surgical risks.  Babies are also more likely to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If not managed properly, the baby’s heart may stop beating for no reason due to fluctuations in the mother’s blood sugar levels during pregnancy.
 
Q4. What should mothers with gestational diabetes do?
Mothers with gestational diabetes should consult diabetes nurse and dietitians during pregnancy. It helps monitor their dietary habits and maintain a sugar intake that is neither too high nor too low. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise and most importantly, follow professional advice.
 
Q5. Does gestational diabetes go away after delivery?
For most who are not susceptible to diabetes and develop gestational diabetes only during pregnancy, a glucose tolerance test should be taken 6 to 8 weeks after delivery. The blood sugar levels will return to normal levels in most cases. However, a small number of mothers are prone to developing diabetes and may become prediabetic. They may fail the glucose tolerance test due to elevated fasting plasma glucose levels. But there is no cause for excessive concern. Stay healthy with more exercise and proper weight management to reduce the risk.
 
Q6. How to prevent gestational diabetes?
You need to have a body check-up before pregnancy to know more about your fasting plasma glucose levels and family history. Avoid central obesity or a beer belly. If you have certain gynaecological conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, better prepare for pregnancy by assessing your sugar tolerance with a glucose tolerance test. It also helps reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and other associated risks by keeping the weight, BMI, and waist circumference within ideal range.

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