Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

GDM, also known as gestational diabetes in pregnancy, is when a woman develops diabetes when she is pregnant but has never had it before.

Why was I previously diabetes-free?

During pregnancy, certain hormones are produced by the placenta that hinder insulin function, leading to insulin resistance. Your body needs to produce more insulin in order to counteract these hormones and maintain a balanced metabolism. In the majority of women, the body produces extra insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. But, in a few, even the additional insulin is insufficient to maintain the blood glucose levels causing diabetes.

Diagnosis

Blood tests for diabetes are recommended between the 24th-28th week of pregnancy.

How can it affect you and your baby?

Baby:

  • Very large baby
  • Fluctuating sugar levels after delivery
  • More chances of becoming obese and ending up with type2 diabetes mellitus

Mother:

  • Preeclampsia
  • Chances of diabetes continue after pregnancy
  • Fewer chances of normal delivery

Management

  • Keep blood sugar levels under control
  • Follow the doctor's advice on a healthy balanced diet
  • Engage in routine, moderate exercise
  • Keep up a healthy weight gain by logging your regular food intake and exercise
  • Use insulin or other prescription drugs as directed

What do you do after delivery?

  • You should get a blood test six weeks after giving birth to determine if your blood sugar level has returned to normal
  • Although it may seem like a lot of work, most women are able to manage it properly and have healthy pregnancies