Who is at risk of gestational diabetes?

Have you heard of gestational diabetes?

Let's learn more about this condition with Momby

🤰🌟 🌈 What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes (GDM), also called gestational diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar. It appears during pregnancy and usually goes away on its own after birth. However, it can affect the health of the pregnant mum and of her child in the future, for example by increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

GDM can develop at any stage of pregnancy, but it is most common in the second and third trimesters. It happens because the mum's body cannot produce enough insulin – the hormone that controls blood sugar – to meet the body's increased need to keep blood sugar stable during pregnancy, leading to a rise in blood sugar. [1]

🎯 Who is at high risk of gestational diabetes? Although any woman can develop GDM, some factors increase the risk, including:

Being overweight or obese (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)

A family history of diabetes; having a parent or sibling with diabetes is a high risk factor

Having previously given birth to a baby ≥ 4000 grams Having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

Older age: mums aged ≥ 35

A history of abnormal pregnancies: stillbirth, repeated unexplained miscarriages, premature birth, babies with birth defects

Ethnicity: Asian people have a higher risk of GDM Polycystic ovary syndrome

Gestational diabetes is a public health concern worldwide. In Vietnam in particular, the rate is not only high but also rising rapidly, raising concern about serious consequences for both mum and baby.

🌟 Gestational diabetes in Vietnam According to a 2012 study, the rate of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in Vietnam was 20.3% by IADPSG criteria, significantly higher than the global average. Notably, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), this rate rose to 21.8% in 2021, about 5 times higher than in 2001 - 2004. This means that one in every 7 pregnant women in Vietnam has the condition.

Worldwide, data show that 15% of pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes. So the rate in Vietnam is significantly higher than the global average. This raises a big question about its causes and effective prevention.

🚨 Risks and effects Gestational diabetes not only affects the mum's health but can also cause many serious complications for the baby, including the risk of premature birth, abnormal weight gain and health problems after birth. The rapid rise in cases in Vietnam calls for special attention from health authorities and the community to reduce these risks.

🌟 Why early detection matters

Detecting and managing GDM promptly through a healthy diet, regular exercise and routine medical monitoring can help reduce the risks for both mum and baby, including the risk of premature birth, abnormal weight gain in the baby and later health problems.

🍀 What can you do?

If you are in a high-risk group and planning a pregnancy, or you have gestational diabetes, contact your doctor for advice and careful health monitoring. Share this information with your loved ones so everyone can take steps to protect their own health and that of future babies. You can also learn about the lifestyle change programme for mums at risk of or living with gestational diabetes, built jointly by DiaB and Momby, whose mission is to support mums with gestational diabetes, including:

- Helping mums stabilise blood sugar during pregnancy without affecting the health of mum and baby

- Providing personalised nutrition knowledge based on improving your current menu.

- Preventing type 2 diabetes after birth.

- Managing stress during pregnancy.

-> You can find full details of the lifestyle change programme for mums-to-be at risk of or living with gestational diabetes at

https://daithaoduongthaiky.diab.com.vn/

📢 Let's work together to raise awareness and care for the health of mums-to-be! A mum's health is the greatest gift for her baby. 💪❤️

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DiaB is a pioneering health technology platform providing care solutions for people with chronic conditions.

Momby is a platform for expecting parents and parents of young children, built together with medical experts (obstetricians and paediatricians, nutritionists, child psychologists, family psychologists and child development specialists)

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/