Increase in gestational diabetes among expectant mothers, shows BMC data

MUMBAI: In the last three years, civic-run hospitals recorded a rise in cases of gestational diabetes (GDM) among pregnant women, data from the health department of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shows, which doctors attribute to an increase in lifestyle diseases and improved screening.

GDM is defined as glucose intolerance with recognition or onset during pregnancy, irrespective of treatment with diet or insulin.

Doctors said that one-third of women with GDM will develop type II diabetes after pregnancy and their children are at higher risk for obesity and diabetes at a young age.

Dr Komal Chavan, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bmcrun Dr VN Desai Hospital in

Andheri, said that the rise in metabolic diseases because of lifestyle patterns is one of the reasons behind increasing incidences of GDM.

“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), a hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, is on a rise. Screening for GDM has also improved in pregnant women which led to a rise in the numbers. It is important to detect GDM as it has an impact on both the mother and the unborn child. It helps avoid adverse outcomes,” she said.

While 70% of the GDM positive pregnant women manage to control sugar levels with diet therapy and do not need medications, Dr Chavan said insulin is advised only when medication fails to control the sugar levels.

As per an article published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine in 2019, the prevalence of GDM reported from different parts of India stands at 3.8% to 17.9%.

Dr Sudeshna Ray, gynaecologist and obstetrician, Jaslok Hospital- Peddar Road, said that good counselling and explaining the risks and interventions is vital to make GDM women stick to the control routine through diet exercise and medications if needed. “The main reasons behind the rise are increased age at first pregnancy, PCOS, pregnancy through ART (assisted reproductive technology), family history of diabetes, obesity, increased weight gain during pregnancy, lack of exercise and high stress” she said.