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.

1. Gestational Diabetes

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/g
estational-diabetes.aspx