Gestational Diabetes - Causes and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes

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Gestational Diabetes
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• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of
  diabetes that develops for the first time during
  pregnancy, when hormonal changes in the body
  affect insulin.

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Causes and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes

• Being overweight - Body Mass Index (BMI) is gt 23.
• Family history of diabetes.
• Personal history of gestational diabetes in a
  previous pregnancy.
• History of previously delivering an overweight
  baby weighing more than 4 kg 
• Suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

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Gestational Diabetes Delivery and the Newborns
Health

• Premature delivery
• Increased chances of cesarean section or
  traumatic vaginal delivery
• Baby can be overweight.
• Baby can have difficulty breathing after birth
• Excess production of insulin in babies in
  response to the mothers high blood sugar level.
  After delivery, the high amount of insulin in
  babies can cause their blood glucose levels to go
  down dramatically. 
• Neonatal jaundice.

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Managing Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy

• Expectant mothers with the diagnosis of GDM are
  advised ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and
  diet throughout the pregnancy period. They may
  also require insulin therapy or oral medicines to
  control their blood sugar level.

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Diet and Activities Recommended for Women with
Gestational Diabetes

• Eating healthy, including eating five servings of
  fruit/vegetables a day
• Maintaining a balanced diet of three meals and
  three snacks
• Avoiding sugary foods such as juices, desserts or
  bakery items
• Exercising regularly, including moderate
  aerobics, or walk for 20 to 30 minutes daily.

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Planning Future Pregnancies 

• If someone has had Gestational Diabetes in
  previous pregnancies, it increases their chances
  of developing it again in future pregnancies.
  Therefore, they are recommended to meet their
  doctor when planning the next pregnancy, so that
  all necessary guidance and direction is provided
  for a safe and healthy pregnancy. 

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Combined Maternal Diabetes (CMD) Clinic

• At the Aga Khan University Hospital, mothers with
  Gestational Diabetes are referred to our Combined
  Maternal Diabetes (CMD) Clinic. The main purpose
  of this clinic is to help pregnant women with
  diabetes optimise sugar control during pregnancy
  and promote successful pregnancy outcomes.

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• For further information about CMD Clinic, please
  consult your physician. Call for appointments
  021-111-911-911.
• OR
• Visit this link https//hospitals.aku.edu/pakista
  n/AboutUs/News/Pages/gestational-diabetes.aspx