Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is also known as gestational diabetes mellitus or GDM. Pregnant women who never had diabetes before but who have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. However, it affects only a very small percentage of pregnant women.

High risk factors

• Overweight prior to pregnancy
• Glucose detected in the urine
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• Previously given birth to a stillborn baby or an overweight baby
• Family history of diabetes

Risk of the Baby

• The body of the baby is larger than normal and may need to be delivered by cesarean method
• The baby will experience a sharp drop in blood glucose due to the extra insulin made by the baby’s pancreas.
• The baby with excess insulin is at risk for obesity
• The baby may experience respiratory distress syndrome and breathing problems

Detect Symptoms

Screening for gestational diabetes is recommended after the 24th week and before the 28th week of pregnancy. Those in the higher risk group should check the blood glucose as early as possible.

For most women, gestational diabetes goes away after the birth of the baby but these women are more prone than other women to develop type 2 diabetes later on in life. It is recommended that women should have a blood test to check the blood sugar levels about six weeks after the birth of the baby.

Diet

Diet plays an important role in one’s health. Gestational diabetes diet should consist of food with less sugar and fat. Eat less carbohydrate and select foods rich in fibres such as fruits and vegetables, cereals and whole-grain breads. In addition to the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals, ensure to drink at least 8 cups of water per day. While alcoholic drinks and smoking should be avoided, coffee and tea should be limited to not more than two cups per day.

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