Gestational diabetes represent 90% of all cases of diabetes complicating pregnancy. More than half of them are likely to develop diabetes in later life.

Gestational diabetes is glucose intolerance which occur first time during pregnancy or came into notice for the first time during pregnancy.

Who are at high risk?

• Females with strong family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus ie if the parents or sibling have diabetes
• Marked obesity- if 20 % or more over the ideal weight
• High risk ethnic origin- Hispanics, Asians, Black, Native American

When to be cautious?

• Sugar positive in urine
• Impaired glucose tolerance
• previous pregnancy having bad outcome like stillbirth
• Previous pregnancy with GEST DIABETES
• Present pregnancy with increased amniotic fluid

Tips to reduce gestational diabetes
Patient once diagnosed with gestational diabetes should be under constant supervision of doctor Need evaluation every one to two week

Careful combination of diet, exercise and insulin therapy

At risk patient may need preconceptional counseling May need to reduce weight before conceiving if overweight.

All pregnant women need to eat well balanced diet.

Eat three small meals with two or three snacks. Not to skip meals. Eat small and frequent meals avoid fatty, fried and greasy food. 30-35 GRAMS of fiber a day.

Regular exercise , mild to moderate , two or three times a week with consultation of health care provider. Insulin therapy, and in case of pregestational diabetes patient should conceive once blood glucose is controlled by insulin.

GLUCOSE SCREENING
AT 24-28WEEKS OF GESTATION WITH 50 G ORAL GLUCOSE LOAD

There is a high risk of congenital malformations in babies and abortions in diabetic mothers.