Chapter10 – Gestational Diabetes

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These audio videos have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, based on the original content from the book “”माझा मधुमेह, माझे नियंत्रण“ i.e. My Diabetes, My Control.

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Gestational diabetes (GDM) appears during pregnancy; hormones produced by the placenta cause insulin resistance. This occurs in about 3–10% of pregnancies. Therefore, sugar testing by OGTT or other methods between weeks 24–28 is considered essential. There are two types. Type A refers to no pre‑existing diabetes, but high sugar is first seen during pregnancy. Type B means diabetes is present even before pregnancy. The mother’s sugar passes easily to the baby. Insulin does not pass to the baby. From week 24, the baby increases its own insulin. This can lead to a large baby (macrosomia) and complications during delivery.

To control sugar in this condition, you should monitor 3–4 times a day. Maintain a balanced diet of 1800–2000 calories. Avoid high‑GI foods, and control weight. Do not allow more than 7–8 kg gain, and do light exercise or walking. If the mother’s sugar is well controlled, the baby’s sugar remains controlled; sometimes insulin support is required. After delivery, diabetes may persist in 5–10% of women. Additionally, the future risk of Type 2 diabetes is seven times higher. Therefore, even after delivery, continue lifestyle change—lower‑carbohydrate diet, 10,000 steps daily, and a stress‑free routine. Rapid post‑malnutrition weight gain and tendencies such as “molecular memory” or “thrifty genes” further increase the risk. Proper education and tracking are the best remedies.