Gestational diabetes puts women at greater risk for developing diabetes later in life. Doctors said it was important for early screening, counseling, proper diet and behavior modification and postpartum follow-up.
National Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Day is being observed on March 10, with doctors acknowledging that awareness on GDM has led to a marked improvement over the years, pointing to the need for preliminary investigations.
V., a former professor of diabetes at Madras Medical College and the founding mentor of diabetes at the Pregnancy Study Group India. Seshaiah said that awareness of GDM was definitely better as obstetric and gynecologists were concerned about it.
“My concept is that we should examine all pregnant women. We recommend screening in the first trimester, around six to seven weeks of pregnancy. If we diagnose GDM in the first trimester, we can take care of both mother and child, ”he said.
She said that GDM puts women at risk for the development of diabetes in the future. “Within 10 years, 50% of them can develop diabetes. Children born to them can develop diabetes and obesity. In my experience, in 90% of women developing GDM, the levels can be controlled with medical and nutritional therapy, ”she said.
Usha Shriram, Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Voluntary Health Services, said that care before and after pregnancy was important when it came to GDM.
“The fact is that we now screen for GDM early in pregnancy. Women may have abnormal glucose in pregnancy. It is gradually becoming a standard of care and women are being shown earlier in prenatal screening. Women planning pregnancy or getting pregnant should be aware of GDM. This is where a lot of work has to be done, especially among the youth.
At the present time, pre-diabetes, overweight, family history of diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome and sedentary lifestyles may put women at risk of GDM. “For this reason it is advisable to check the blood sugar level,” Dr. Shriram said. She stated that once diagnosed with GDM, women should remain healthy and within the recommended weight gain limits during pregnancy. “After pregnancy ends, follow-up is important. Breastfeeding has shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, ”she said. Prevention is important, he said, for all young women who plan a six-month to one-year pregnancy should be healthy, take folic acid and be active.
Anand Musa, former director, Institute of Diabetesology, Madras Medical College, said that the prevalence of GDM was increasing. “It varies from 10% to 15% in pregnant women. This is why we recommend universal screening for pregnant women, because in many cases, GDM can be managed with dietary control. They need to split the food and avoid simple sugars, ”he said.
There was a reduction in follow-up post delivery, he said, “Lifestyle management is very important and hence there are annual check-ups after delivery.
.
