Overview of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is defined as intolerance to glucose or presence of high blood glucose levels during pregnancy or the gestational period. Gestational diabetes usually disappears after delivery.¹ It affects about 2–4% of all pregnancies and is of much concern because of the risk factors associated with it. It can affect both mother and the new born. This condition can be prevented and managed by eating healthy food, exercising regularly and taking necessary medication.

Epidemiology   (Occurence of Gestational Diabetes in Different Groups)

Epidemiology of gestational diabetes has not been studied systematically. Differences in screening programs and diagnostic critera make it difficult to study about the prevalences of gestational diabetes in various population of the world. Ethnicity is an independent risk factor for this condition. There are several other risk factors and in the absence of the risk factors, the incidence of gestational diabetes is low. Women in their first half of their pregnancy pose a high-risk, which include increased incidence of obstetric problems and later development of type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest a link between increased risk prediabetic condition, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have clarified that prevention strategies are useful in modifying the risk factors.² 

Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes does not show any symptoms and the pregnant woman may be living with the condition without knowing it.  

Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes

Risk factors for gestational diabetes

A wide variety of risk factors are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus which can affect both mother and the fetus.

Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Diagnosis for gestational diabetes is usually done between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. The major test involved in the detection of this condition is oral glucose tolerance test.