Gestational diabetes (sometimes referred to as GDM) is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear during pregnancy.
From 3 to 8% of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy, however, some may be earlier.
While maternal blood glucose levels usually return to normal after the birth of the baby, there is a known increased risk for type 2 diabetes in the mother in the future.
You are at risk of developing gestational diabetes if you:
- Are over 30 years of age.
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- Are overweight.
- Are from an indigenous Australian or Torres strait islander background.
- Are from a Vietnamese, Chinese, middle eastern, Polynesian or Melanesian background.
- Have had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancies.
For many women, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be upsetting. However, it is important to remember that the majority of women with gestational diabetes have a healthy pregnancy, normal delivery and a healthy baby.
The treatment includes healthy eating, physical activity and monitoring and maintaining a normal blood glucose level.
If you have any questions about Gestational Diabetes, please do not hesitate to chat to the midwives or doctors at POGS.
You can also read the Gestational Diabetes FAQs at the Diabetes Australia website
Need more advice or information? Call POGS on (08) 6270 0123 or email: reception@pogs.com.au if you need to make an appointment.
