Rising Awareness of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): A Key Maternal Health Issue
- 8th Dec, 2024
Contributor:
Dr Shobana Raman,
DGO DNB MRCOG(UK),
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist,
MITHR WOMEN’S HEALTH.
Dr Shobana Raman,
DGO DNB MRCOG(UK),
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist,
MITHR WOMEN’S HEALTH.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is impaired glucose tolerance identified during pregnancy, affecting about 10% of pregnancies globally, with 90% of cases being GDM. In India, GDM rates range from 10-14.3%, significantly higher than in the West.
What Is GDM? GDM occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels. While GDM typically resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes for the mother and long-term metabolic issues for the child.
Risk Factors:
● History of GDM in previous pregnancies
● Obesity or overweight
● Family history of diabetes
● Sedentary lifestyle or poor diet
● Advanced maternal age (over 35)
Health Implications:
Unmanaged GDM can lead to:
● For the baby: Excessive birth weight, premature birth, neonatal hypoglycemia, and long-term risk of obesity or diabetes.
● For the mother: High blood pressure, preeclampsia, and a higher risk of cesarean section.
Diagnosis:
Routine screening is done at 12-16 weeks and again at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). For Indian women, universal screening at the first antenatal visit and later at 24-28 weeks using a 75g OGTT is recommended.
Management:
Dietary Modifications: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and low-glycemic foods.
Physical Activity: Moderate exercise improves insulin sensitivity.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular checks guide treatment adjustments.
Medications: Insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs may be used if lifestyle changes are insufficient.
Maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and exercise before pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing GDM. Early intervention and education are key to mitigating the long-term risks of GDM for both mother and child.
What Is GDM? GDM occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin during pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels. While GDM typically resolves after childbirth, it increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes for the mother and long-term metabolic issues for the child.
Risk Factors:
● History of GDM in previous pregnancies
● Obesity or overweight
● Family history of diabetes
● Sedentary lifestyle or poor diet
● Advanced maternal age (over 35)
Health Implications:
Unmanaged GDM can lead to:
● For the baby: Excessive birth weight, premature birth, neonatal hypoglycemia, and long-term risk of obesity or diabetes.
● For the mother: High blood pressure, preeclampsia, and a higher risk of cesarean section.
Diagnosis:
Routine screening is done at 12-16 weeks and again at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). For Indian women, universal screening at the first antenatal visit and later at 24-28 weeks using a 75g OGTT is recommended.
Management:
Dietary Modifications: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and low-glycemic foods.
Physical Activity: Moderate exercise improves insulin sensitivity.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regular checks guide treatment adjustments.
Medications: Insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs may be used if lifestyle changes are insufficient.
Maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and exercise before pregnancy can reduce the risk of developing GDM. Early intervention and education are key to mitigating the long-term risks of GDM for both mother and child.
