Weekly Comment -11 April 16 : Diabetes in pregnancy
April 11, 2016
GESTATIONAL diabetes mellitus
(GDM) is a specific type of diabetes
that only occurs during pregnancy.
GDM occurs as a result of changes
in hormone levels as pregnancy
progresses, which can interfere with
how some women’s insulin works.
In most cases, the condition is
temporary and goes away after the
birth of the baby. Approximately
one in 20 pregnant women will
develop gestational diabetes.
The Australasian Diabetes in
Pregnancy Society recommends
testing for gestational diabetes
in all pregnant women. An oral
glucose tolerance test will be
performed between 26 and 28
weeks of pregnancy.
The aim of treatment is to
maintain blood glucose levels
within a normal range for the rest
of the pregnancy. Approximately
one in 10 women with gestational
diabetes will require insulin
injections during pregnancy to
maintain normal blood glucose
levels. Following a healthy diet,
having a healthy weight gain
during pregnancy and exercising
regularly will help to control blood
glucose levels during pregnancy.
If women cannot manage their
blood glucose levels with diet and
activity alone, medication such
as insulin or oral metformin is
sometimes needed. As gestational
diabetes usually occurs later in
pregnancy, the baby’s physical
development is not generally
affected, especially if the GDM is
well controlled.
This week’s contributor is Annie McArdle, Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Parent Liaison and Information Midwife.
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