Gestational Diabetes Deserves More Attention

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes first detected during pregnancy. It causes high blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious health issues for both mother and baby. GDM is a growing concern in India, where over five million pregnant women are estimated to have GDM each year. In 2015, it was found that about 16.2% of India’s live births involved women who had some form of high blood sugar during pregnancy. If these numbers continue to rise, India is projected to have 313.3 million diabetic women by 2040.

Why is Gestational Diabetes Dangerous?

GDM increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. High blood sugar can lead to conditions like high blood pressure, premature birth, and breathing and metabolism problems in newborns. Early detection and proper treatment can help reduce these risks. GDM is commonly detected between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, but 30% to 70% of cases are identified even earlier, before 20 weeks. When GDM is diagnosed early, it is linked to higher risks of complications, making timely care essential.

Current Guidelines for Detecting GDM

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a test called the 75-gram 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to check for GDM. This test is generally done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to determine if a woman has GDM. The HAPO (Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes) study has shown that even slightly high blood sugar levels in pregnancy increase the chances of complications for both mother and child.

New Research and Advances

Recent studies, like the TOBOGM (Treatment of Booking Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) trial, have shown that diagnosing and treating GDM early can improve outcomes. This research highlights the importance of identifying GDM as early as possible, especially for women who have high risk factors like obesity or family history of diabetes.

Looking Ahead: How Can We Better Manage GDM?

With increasing rates of obesity and diabetes (often called the "diabesity" epidemic), a more targeted approach to managing GDM is needed. Using advanced technology to diagnose and monitor GDM can help create a personalized treatment plan for each woma n. This means that each woman’s treatment can be tailored to her specific risk factors and health needs, which can lead to better health outcomes for both mother and baby.

Upcoming CME Event on GDM in Srinagar

To address these updates, the Department of Endocrinology at Superspeciality Hospital, GMC Srinagar, will host a CME (Continuing Medical Education) event on Gestational Diabetes on November 14, 2024, at the GMC Auditorium. This event will discuss recent advancements in the management of GDM and is ideal for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care.

A Call for Awareness and Action

It is essential to raise awareness about gestational diabetes and encourage early screening and treatment. With better understanding and proactive care, we can reduce health risks for both mothers and babies, leading to healthier families across India

Dr Mohammad Hayat Bhat, Associate Professor and Dr Eijaj Alam, Senior Resident, Department of Endocrinology, SSH, GMC, Srinagar