Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that develops for the first time during pregnancy, when hormonal changes in the body affect insulin.
2. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes that
develops for the first time during pregnancy, when hormonal
changes in the body affect insulin.
3. Causes and Risk Factors of Gestational
Diabetes
• Being overweight - Body Mass Index (BMI) is > 23.
• Family history of diabetes.
• Personal history of gestational diabetes in a previous
pregnancy.
• History of previously delivering an overweight baby weighing
more than 4 kg
• Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
4. Gestational Diabetes Delivery and the
Newborn’s Health
• Premature delivery
• Increased chances of cesarean section or traumatic vaginal
delivery
• Baby can be overweight.
• Baby can have difficulty breathing after birth
• Excess production of insulin in babies in response to the
mother’s high blood sugar level. After delivery, the high
amount of insulin in babies can cause their blood glucose
levels to go down dramatically.
• Neonatal jaundice.
5. Managing Blood Sugar Levels During
Pregnancy
Expectant mothers with the diagnosis of GDM are advised ways
to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet throughout the
pregnancy period. They may also require insulin therapy or oral
medicines to control their blood sugar level.
6. Diet and Activities Recommended for
Women with Gestational Diabetes
• Eating healthy, including eating five servings of fruit/vegetables
a day
• Maintaining a balanced diet of three meals and three snacks
• Avoiding sugary foods such as juices, desserts or bakery items
• Exercising regularly, including moderate aerobics, or walk for
20 to 30 minutes daily.
7. Planning Future Pregnancies
If someone has had Gestational Diabetes in previous
pregnancies, it increases their chances of developing it again in
future pregnancies. Therefore, they are recommended to meet
their doctor when planning the next pregnancy, so that all
necessary guidance and direction is provided for a safe and
healthy pregnancy.
8. Combined Maternal Diabetes (CMD)
Clinic
At the Aga Khan University Hospital, mothers with Gestational
Diabetes are referred to our Combined Maternal Diabetes
(CMD) Clinic. The main purpose of this clinic is to help pregnant
women with diabetes optimise sugar control during pregnancy
and promote successful pregnancy outcomes.
9. For further information about CMD Clinic, please consult your
physician. Call for appointments: 021-111-911-911.
OR
Visit this link:
https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/AboutUs/News/Pages/gestatio
nal-diabetes.aspx