Gestational Diabetes Expert Treatment

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing gestational diabetes include:

• Pre-pregnancy obesity (BMI over 30)
• Family history of diabetes
• Previous gestational diabetes
• Age over 35 years
• Previous delivery of a baby weighing over 4.5 kg
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• South Asian, Middle Eastern, or African ethnic background

Who Is at Risk?

Women who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, are over 35, or had gestational diabetes previously are at highest risk. Women with PCOS or from certain ethnic groups including South Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds also face elevated risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes involves:

• Fasting blood glucose at booking and at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measuring fasting, 1-hour and 2-hour glucose levels
• HbA1c at booking to detect pre-existing diabetes
• Random blood glucose testing if symptomatic
• Continuous glucose monitoring in high-risk cases

Treatment Options

Treatment starts with dietary modification and regular moderate exercise. Most women achieve adequate glucose control with lifestyle changes alone. If targets are not met, metformin or insulin therapy is added. Blood glucose is monitored regularly with a home glucometer. Delivery is typically planned at 38-40 weeks or earlier if complications arise.

Gestational Diabetes Management

The gestational diabetes management program at Pristyn Care includes:

• Personalised meal plan by a specialist dietician
• Structured exercise guidance adapted for safe use during pregnancy
• Self-monitoring of blood glucose with a home glucometer
• Regular antenatal ultrasound scans to monitor fetal growth
• Metformin or insulin therapy if lifestyle measures are insufficient
• Fetal wellbeing assessment with non-stress tests and Doppler studies
• Coordination between diabetologist, obstetrician, and dietician
• Delivery planning based on glucose control and fetal size

Our multidisciplinary team ensures optimal glucose control and a healthy outcome for mother and baby.

After Delivery Care

Postnatal care after gestational diabetes includes:

• Blood glucose monitoring after delivery to confirm resolution
• Glucose tolerance test at 6-12 weeks postpartum to screen for type 2 diabetes
• Breastfeeding encouraged as it reduces long-term diabetes risk
• Dietary and lifestyle counselling to reduce future diabetes risk
• Annual fasting blood glucose or HbA1c monitoring long-term
• Advice on weight management and physical activity

Possible Complications of Gestational Diabetes

Untreated or poorly controlled gestational diabetes can cause:

• Macrosomia – large birth weight baby increasing delivery complications
• Shoulder dystocia during vaginal delivery
• Increased risk of emergency caesarean section
• Neonatal hypoglycaemia in the newborn
• Premature birth and neonatal intensive care admission
• Pre-eclampsia and hypertension in the mother
• Increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the mother later in life