Managing gestational diabetes in the early stages of pregnancy may aid in preventing complications and enhancing delivery outcomes, as per a new series published in The Lancet journal.
The authors noted that gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy complications worldwide, and cases are increasing in complexity due to rising obesity rates.
They also emphasised that the condition impacts approximately one in seven pregnancies globally and is typically diagnosed and treated later in pregnancy.
Left untreated, gestational diabetes can result in high blood pressure, a higher likelihood of caesarean sections, mental health issues, and delivery complications for the baby.
Additionally, the authors highlighted that this pregnancy-related condition may elevate the risk of the mother developing health issues such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
The information available indicates that the factors leading to the development of gestational diabetes may be present before pregnancy. Metabolic changes such as those in glucose and blood pressure can be identified in early pregnancy (before 14 weeks), as stated by the authors.
As a result, they are urging for the prompt implementation of strategies, such as early testing and diagnosis, to prevent and address gestational diabetes. They believe that this approach could decrease complications during pregnancy and delivery, as well as reduce the risk of women developing other health issues later in life.
"(Gestational diabetes) is a tremendous public health challenge. Women who experience it need support from the medical community, policymakers, and society as a whole to ensure they can effectively access proper treatment, reduce the stigma associated with (the condition), and improve their overall pregnancy experience," said series author Dr Yashdeep Gupta of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
The researchers discovered that 30-70 per cent of pregnant women with gestational diabetes encounter elevated blood sugar levels during the early stages of their pregnancy, specifically by 20 weeks or earlier. These women were also observed to have worse outcomes in comparison to those who developed the condition later in their pregnancy.
In cases where gestational diabetes was not effectively managed, the researchers noted that these women faced a higher likelihood of giving birth prematurely (51 per cent), delivering larger babies (57 per cent), and undergoing a cesarean delivery (16 per cent).
Moreover, women who had gestational diabetes were discovered to have a 10 times higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later in life in comparison to those who did not have this pregnancy-related condition. This elevated risk could potentially be linked to high blood pressure, fatty liver, and an increased risk of heart disease.
The authors recommended early screening for gestational diabetes in women with risk factors, preferably before 14 weeks of pregnancy.
They also proposed enhancing post-pregnancy care, including monitoring blood sugar levels after meals.
The authors also stressed the need for annual check-ups for women who had gestational diabetes to prevent future complications, as well as the necessity for more research into this medical condition.
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