gestational diabetes There is a situation where blood sugar level Becomes extremely high for the first time during pregnancy, usually after 24 weeks. According to Dr. Aparajita Pradhan, Senior Consultant in Endocrinology Max Super Specialty HospitalDwarka, it is one of the Most common complications during pregnancyWhich affects about 13% of pregnancies in India.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes hormonal changes, primarily driven by the placenta, and experiences weight gain. These changes lead to a condition called insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin. While the body compensates by producing more insulin, women with gestational diabetes are unable to produce enough to overcome this resistance, resulting in increased blood sugar levels.

“All women experience some level of insulin resistance during pregnancy,” explains Dr. Pradhan. He further said that women suffering from gestational diabetes usually are not able to produce enough insulin to counteract this, leading to increased blood sugar levels.

Dr. Pradhan enumerated many things Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes,

• family history of diabetes
• obesity
• Previous delivery of a baby weighing more than 4 kg
• prediabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Ethnicity, Indian women are at greater risk

Gestational diabetes is often symptomlessMaking universal testing important. “In India, all pregnant women undergo glucose tolerance testing between 24-28 weeks for early detection of gestational diabetes,” says Dr Pradhan.

may cause gestational diabetes Complications for both mother and babyAccording to Dr Pradhan, this condition increases the risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and the need for cesarean delivery in mothers. For babies, it increases the chances of premature birth, breathing problems and longer stays in the neonatal intensive care unit.

“Although blood sugar levels often return to normal after delivery, about half of women develop type 2 diabetes later in life,” warns Dr. Pradhan. This underlines the need for lifelong monitoring of women who have gestational diabetes.

Dr Pradhan says it is important to manage blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes.

• Diet: “A healthy diet planned with a dietitian includes tracking carbohydrate intake, using the ‘plate method’ for balanced meals, and increasing non-starchy vegetables and proteins,” she advises.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is important but should be done under medical supervision.
• Medicine: If lifestyle changes are inadequate, doctors may prescribe medications, including insulin, to control blood sugar levels.

The increasing incidence of gestational diabetes in India highlights the need for public awareness. Dr. Pradhan advises women to educate themselves about a healthy lifestyle, manage weight before pregnancy, and seek appropriate counseling before conceiving.

Dr. Pradhan concluded, “By adopting these measures, gestational diabetes can often be prevented.” “Even if diagnosed, it can be controlled with timely intervention and appropriate treatment. Long-term follow-up is necessary to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.