Gestational Diabetes Mellitus:
A study conducted at seven antenatal clinics with over 3,000 women, found that early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects about one in five pregnant women.
- Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy, and is typically diagnosed between 24-28 weeks gestation.
- It happens when the hormones from the placenta block ability to use or make insulin.
- The placenta supplies a growing fetus with nutrients and water, and also produces a variety of hormones to maintain the pregnancy.
- This is called contra-insulin effect, which usually begins about 20 to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.
- Most of the time, gestational diabetes doesn’t cause symptoms but it includes excessive thirst, urinating more often, fatigue, nausea.
- Risk factors that can increase the chances of developing GDM which includes:
- Overweight or obesity
- Being over the age of 45
- Having a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- Having Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Treatment: Gestational diabetes can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
