Supriya Ramesh • 28 Nov 2024
Is Gestational Diabetes Preventable? Here’s What Every Expectant Mother Should Know
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Gestational diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels become excessively high for the first time during pregnancy, usually after 24 weeks. According to Dr Aprajita Pradhan, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, it is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, affecting approximately 13% of pregnancies in India.
What Causes Gestational Diabetes?
During pregnancy, the body undergoes hormonal changes, primarily driven by the placenta, and experiences weight gain. These changes lead to a condition called insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. While the body compensates by producing more insulin, women with gestational diabetes are unable to produce enough to overcome this resistance, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.
“All women experience some level of insulin resistance during pregnancy,” explains Dr Pradhan, adding that those with gestational diabetes typically cannot produce sufficient insulin to counteract it, leading to higher blood sugar levels
Risk Factors
Dr Pradhan lists several risk factors for gestational diabetes:
- Family history of diabetes
- Obesity
- Previous delivery of a baby weighing over 4 kg
- Prediabetes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Ethnicity, with Indian women being at a higher risk
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Gestational diabetes is often asymptomatic, making universal testing crucial. Dr Pradhan states, “In India, all pregnant women undergo glucose tolerance testing between 24-28 weeks to identify gestational diabetes early.”
Complications for Mother and Baby
Gestational diabetes can lead to complications for both mother and child. According to Dr Pradhan, the condition increases the risk of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and the need for Caesarean delivery in mothers. For babies, it heightens the chances of premature birth, breathing issues, and longer Neonatal ICU stays.
Long-Term Risks
“While blood sugar levels often normalise post-delivery, about half of the women develop Type 2 diabetes later in life,” cautions Dr Pradhan. This underscores the need for lifelong monitoring of women who have had gestational diabetes.
Managing Gestational Diabetes
Dr Pradhan says that managing blood glucose levels through lifestyle changes is key.
- Diet: “A healthy diet, planned with a dietician, involves tracking carbohydrate intake, using the ‘plate method’ for balanced meals, and increasing non-starchy vegetables and protein,” she advises.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial but should be done under medical supervision.
- Medication: If lifestyle changes are insufficient, doctors may prescribe medication, including insulin, to control blood sugar levels.
Prevention and Awareness
The rising incidence of gestational diabetes in India highlights the need for public awareness. Dr Pradhan recommends educating women about healthy lifestyles, managing pre-pregnancy weight, and seeking proper counselling before conceiving.
“By adopting these measures, gestational diabetes can often be prevented,” concludes Dr Pradhan. “Even if diagnosed, it is manageable with timely intervention and appropriate treatment. Long-term follow-up remains essential to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.”
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