GESTATIONAL DIABETES

The number of Australian women who develop gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) has been rapidly increasing over the past two decades, with more than 1 in 7 women now affected. This is due to both a change in the way it is diagnosed and increasing risk factors among women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes has important implications for both mother and baby. DL mag dietitian and diabetes educator, Dr Kate Marsh, explains what GDM is, how it is diagnosed and managed and what women who have had GDM can do to reduce their future diabetes risk.

- Dr Kate Marsh

ARE YOU AT RISK?

A woman is at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes if they:

• Have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

• Have had a large baby (over 4.5kgs) in a previous pregnancy

• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes

• Are aged over 40 years

• Carried excess weight before pregnancy

• Gained excess weight in the first half of pregnancy

• Have a history of PCOS

• Have a history of pre-diabetes

• Are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background

• Are of Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian, Middle Eastern or Asian background

• Are taking some types of antipsychotic or steroid medications

What is GDM?

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is diabetes which first presents during pregnancy and usually resolves after pregnancy, although women with GDM are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life. GDM affects approximately 15 per cent of pregnancies, although certain ethnic groups have much higher incidence rates.