WHAT IS GESTATIONAL DIABETES? WHY SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN PAY ATTENTION?
WHAT IS GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS (GDM)?
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a condition involving glucose intolerance of any degree that first appears or is detected during pregnancy. Unlike chronic type 1 or type 2 diabetes, this condition typically develops between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy and tends to resolve after delivery.
The primary mechanism is related to hormonal changes during pregnancy. The placenta secretes hormones that support fetal development, but these hormones inadvertently cause insulin resistance in the mother's body. When the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood sugar levels rise, leading to gestational diabetes.
WHY SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION?
Many expectant mothers tend to be complacent because gestational diabetes often progresses silently, with few noticeable symptoms such as excessive thirst or weight loss. However, if not properly managed, elevated blood sugar can cause serious consequences for both mother and child.
IMPACT ON THE MOTHER'S HEALTH
Mothers with gestational diabetes face a higher risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia — a dangerous obstetric complication that threatens life. Additionally, the condition increases the risk of preterm birth, polyhydramnios, or urinary tract infections.
In the long term, women with a history of GDM have a significantly higher risk of developing actual type 2 diabetes in the future compared to the general population, particularly if they do not maintain a healthy lifestyle after delivery.
EFFECTS ON THE FETUS AND NEWBORN
High maternal blood sugar crosses the placenta and stimulates the fetal pancreas to produce more insulin, leading to macrosomia (abnormally large baby). Macrosomia increases the risk of birth injuries such as shoulder dystocia, clavicle fracture, or the need for cesarean section.
More critically, after birth, the sugar supply from the mother is suddenly cut off while the baby's insulin levels remain high, which can easily lead to neonatal hypoglycemia. The infant is also at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal jaundice, and obesity in adulthood.
AT-RISK GROUPS AND SCREENING TIMING
Although all pregnant women are at risk, certain groups should be especially vigilant, including: women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy; those with a family history of diabetes; women pregnant over the age of 35; or those who have previously delivered a large baby (over 4 kg).
According to recommendations from the Ministry of Health and international health organizations, all pregnant women should undergo an oral glucose tolerance test (75g glucose) between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. This is the "golden window" for timely detection and intervention.
EXPERT ADVICE: MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION
The good news is that gestational diabetes is entirely manageable. The foundation of treatment is dietary and physical activity modification. Expectant mothers should build a balanced diet, limit fast-acting carbohydrates and sweets, eat smaller and more frequent meals, and increase vegetable intake.
Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga (if there are no obstetric contraindications) is very effective in improving insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, adhering to prenatal check-up schedules, monitoring blood sugar at home, and participating in counseling programs — such as the support activities provided by the VALID Project — will help expectant mothers navigate their pregnancy safely and healthily.