Prevalence of gestational diabetes

BANGALORE: Gestational diabetes is fairly a common complication during pregnancy that affects four to seven percent of the expectant mothers. Also known as gestational diabetes mellitus,(GDM), interestingly, most expectant mothers have no symptoms or complication before they get affected with the disease.Experts maintain that though the blood sugar often goes back to normal after delivery, expectant mothers with gestational diabetes is a major risk factor for the baby's health as it poses increased risk for the baby dying when the mother does not get timely treatment for gestational diabetes or when the blood sugar level goes uncontrolled.Dr N Venkatesh, consultant gynaecologist at St Philomina's Hospital says that nearly three to four expectant mothers visit him with the gestational diabetes symptoms.Veena Joshi Datta [email protected]So why is the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) common among expectant mothers? The reason attributed, is the hormonal changes which occur during pregnancy besides the family history and added to it is a poor diet management and lack of physical exercise. All these factors increases the chances of high sugar level among the pregnant women.Emphasising on the proper diet management, Dr Venkatesh further says, adequate diet intake comprising less carbohydrates and fat and more of protein is essential for pregnant mothers. Besides, it is of utmost importance for expectant mothers to regularly monitor her blood sugar levels especially during the 20th to 24th weeks of pregnancy. Thus diet counselling plays a significant role at the early stages of pregnancy.The normal blood sugar level during the early stages of pregnancy prior to consuming food should not be more than 90 and after the meal, it should not be more than 130.Dr Lalitha Priya, consultant dietician, Lal Bagh Nursing Home says, "If gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) goes unnoticed, it leads to increased risk of abortion, high blood pressure and delivery of obese babies. She also advises proper evaluation and screening for blood sugar levels prior conception.