Diabetes in pregnancy (Part 1): Why it happens, complications & how to diagnose it
High blood sugar levels during pregnancy raises many questions : Why does diabetes happen, who are the women at risk, what tests should be done to diagnose it and what complications can arise because of this . Hyperglycemia or increased blood sugar levels is one of the most common medical condition women encounter during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is seen more commonly in pregnant women who have associated risk factors like obesity, family history of diabetes or history of GDM in previous pregnancy. Uncontrolled blood sugar can cause complications in both the mother and her developing fetus and therefore it is very crucial to diagnose GDM early. For this pregnant women are tested twice during pregnancy; at the first antenatal visit and later between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. I hope this video answers most of your queries related to diabetes during pregnancy. It is also important to manage GDM optimally so as to keep sugar levels normal throughout pregnancy. Management of diabetes including dietary changes and insulin therapy will be discussed in the next video; Diabetes in pregnancy(Part 2). So do not panic if your blood test shows high blood sugar level!! Most of the pregnant women with diabetes can be managed to keep their blood sugar under control so that they have a safe delivery and healthy baby. Be aware and be safe. Like I promised I will be a useful companion to you in your pregnancy journey making you aware of all normal and abnormal situations that may happen throughout those nine important months. Links to my other videos on pregnancy • What to expect in second trimester of preg... • Understanding and Managing The First Trime... • Guiding you through a Positive TORCH Test #diabetes mellitus # Gestational diabetes mellitus # GDM #glucose metabolism in pregnancy #high sugar levels in pregnancy #risks of GDM #Risk factors for GDM #complications of diabetes in pregnancy #OGTT #test for GDM #glucose tolerance test
