{"id":9474,"date":"2025-05-29T15:01:19","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T09:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/?p=9474"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:01:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T09:31:19","slug":"pregnancy-blood-sugar-the-silent-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diabetesasia.org\/magazine\/pregnancy-blood-sugar-the-silent-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy & Blood Sugar: The Silent Risks!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of glucose intolerance that arises during pregnancy. Although it is often seen as a temporary condition that resolves after delivery, GDM poses serious health risks for both the mother and the baby. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rajesh Jain, diabetologist and physician at Diabetes & Wellness<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span> Clinic in Mumbai, emphasised, \u201cOften undiagnosed or underdiagnosed, GDM is a silent threat that can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, infections and cardiac problems \u2013 sometimes with fatal consequences. It is important to recognise this connection to raise awareness, enhance maternal healthcare protocols, and support safe pregnancy outcomes.\u201d…<\/p>\n

\"Pregnancy<\/p>\n

Risk factors for gestational diabetes:<\/h2>\n

According to the doctor, several factors can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. These include becoming a mother at an older age, obesity or significant weight gain during pregnancy, family history of diabetes, previous history of GDM<\/a><\/strong><\/span> or giving birth to a baby with macrosomia (higher than average birth weight), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).<\/p>\n

Pathophysiological effects of gestational diabetes:<\/h2>\n

“Gestational diabetes develops as a result of insulin resistance caused by placental hormones, which is further intensified by the metabolic stress of pregnancy,” the doctor explained. “If not managed properly, this can lead to increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which in turn contributes to endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and increased inflammatory responses.”<\/p>\n

\"Pathophysiological<\/p>\n

How Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Is Linked to Maternal Mortality:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

GDM significantly heightens the risk of serious pregnancy complications. It can lead to conditions such as pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, and often results in cesarean deliveries, which carry a greater risk of postoperative complications. Poor glycemic control also increases the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage and infections. In more severe cases, GDM<\/a><\/span><\/strong> can contribute to cardiovascular issues that may ultimately result in maternal death.<\/p>\n

Research indicates that women with unmanaged GDM face up to three times higher risk of pregnancy-related mortality compared to those without the condition.<\/p>\n

Prevention Tips for Expectant Mothers:<\/strong><\/p>\n