Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Gestational diabetes is a condition affecting pregnant women, where blood sugar levels can generally be controlled through regular monitoring and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
In Australia, new guidelines recommend that all pregnant women undergo a glucose tolerance test (GTT) at 26 weeks. This test lasts about two hours and requires scheduling a month in advance. No special diet is needed before the test.
Who's at risk?
- Women over a certain age
- Those with a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Family history of type 2 or gestational diabetes
- Overweight or obese individuals
- Women with backgrounds including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Indian subcontinent, or Asian
- Those with conditions like PCOS
What to expect:
- Consultations with a specialized team, including a diabetic educator and endocrinologist
- Management through a healthy diet and regular exercise
- Sometimes, insulin injections may be necessary
Risks to the baby:
- Potential for low blood sugar at birth, requiring nursery care
- Slightly increased risk of premature delivery
- Poor sugar control might cause the baby to grow larger than average
Post-pregnancy care:
- About 30-60% of women with gestational diabetes may develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years after childbirth
- Regular diabetes screening every two years is advised
- Continue with the healthy lifestyle adopted during pregnancy
Remember, diabetes isn't just a condition; it represents a commitment to a healthy way of life.
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