Gestational Diabetes is an Indicator of Diabetes Risk Later in Life

Gestational diabetes or diabetes occurring during pregnancy usually disappears after delivery or in the immediate months following delivery. Yet, it is important for women who have been victims of gestational diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels during the six months period post delivery. Further, gestational diabetes indicates a risk of diabetes later on in life. According to research, 50% of women who have been victims of gestational diabetes usually develop diabetes in the future. Alarmingly, only one out of five women actually check their blood sugar levels within six months of delivery.

Dr. Ann Albright, a diabetes specialist with the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said, "It's almost as if you got a preview, a window to the future. This is a population that really should be targeted for intervention."

Therefore, it is important for women who have been victims of gestational diabetes to protect themselves against the onset of diabetes by taking adequate precautions and making lifestyle changes. But the first step to protection is monitoring blood sugar levels routinely.



Source-Medindia