As women face evolving lifestyles, gestational health issues like PCOS, fibroids, and cervical cancer rise. This Diabetes Awareness Month, let's highlight Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), a temporary yet impactful condition affecting maternal and child health
Published Nov 21, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 21, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Gestational Diabetes
As lifestyles evolve rapidly, women today face an increasing risk of various gestational health challenges such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and even cervical cancer.
However, one condition often overlooked yet steadily rising in prevalence, is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Have you ever heard of it? This Diabetes Awareness Month, let’s shine a spotlight on GDM and its impact on maternal and child health.
Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, which is typically a lifelong condition, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a temporary form of glucose intolerance that develops specifically during pregnancy. It generally resolves after childbirth but requires careful management to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
Imagine your body as a delivery truck transporting sugar (glucose) to cells for energy. Insulin acts as the truck’s helper, ensuring the sugar is unloaded efficiently. During pregnancy, hormonal changes meant to support the baby can interfere with insulin’s efficiency, leaving excess sugar in the bloodstream. This disruption is what we call Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
“During pregnancy, the body sometimes struggles to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable, which can affect both the mother and baby’s health,” explains Dr. Sindhuri, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Hyderabad told South First. “Women with conditions like PCOS or PCOD are at higher risk of developing GDM. However, even healthy women can face this challenge. With proper healthcare, balanced nutrition, and fitness, the risks associated with GDM can be minimised.”
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is emerging as a significant health issue in India, with its prevalence showing notable variation across different regions and populations. Recent studies estimate the overall prevalence of GDM in the country to be approximately 13 percent, ranging between 9 percent and 16 percent depending on the population and diagnostic criteria. Alarmingly, around 4 million women in India are affected by GDM at any given time, underscoring the urgent need for effective screening and management strategies.
GDM not only presents immediate health risks during pregnancy, such as complications in delivery and higher chances of preeclampsia, but it also has long-term consequences. Women with GDM face a significantly higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, and their children are also at increased risk of obesity and diabetes.
The prevalence of GDM varies significantly across India:
Some states and cities report exceptionally high prevalence rates:
“In Telangana, about 5.4 percent of the population was found to be suffering from GDM, as per a 2020 study,” notes Dr. Sindhuri, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Hyderabad.
Dr. Sindhuri suggests that it is important to understand the causes, recognise the symptoms, and be aware of the factors influencing its prevalence to ensure timely diagnosis and care.
Causes of GDM
Symptoms of GDM
While many women with GDM may not experience noticeable symptoms, some common indicators include:
“If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to undergo the recommended tests for GDM between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. For women with PCOS or other high-risk factors, testing earlier—around 14 weeks—is advised to prevent complications for both mother and baby,” advises Dr. Sindhuri.
Factors Influencing GDM Prevalence in India
– Consume balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
– Monitor portion sizes and include plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
– Limit intake of sugary and high-carbohydrate foods.
– Engage in pregnancy-safe exercises such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
– Consult a healthcare provider to determine appropriate activities.
– Regularly check blood sugar levels as instructed by your healthcare provider.
– Keep a record to track patterns and make adjustments as necessary.
– If diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar levels, medication or insulin may be required.
– Follow the healthcare provider’s prescription and recommendations strictly.
– Attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring and guidance.
– Get tested for gestational diabetes as advised, usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
– Maintain a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.
– Focus on gradual, healthy weight gain recommended by a healthcare provider.
– Learn about gestational diabetes and its impact on pregnancy and childbirth.
– Educate family members for additional support.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
