Serious Consequences of Gestational Diabetes on Fetal Growth

Every fifth mother in Finland diagnosed with gestational diabetes face a significant consequence called fetal macrosomia, or excessive growth of the fetus resulting in labor complications. Researchers at the University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital published a study in the journal Acta Diabetologica demonstrated that the mother's gestational diabetes is an independent factor that increases the risk of fetal hypoxia, during labour, regardless of the size of the fetus.

Gestational diabetes makes pancreas to work overtime to produce insulin but the insulin does not lower your blood glucose levels. Hormones from the placenta that help in baby growth block the action of mother's insulin.

Gestational Diabetes About
The condition is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by the action of hormones produced during pregnancy that blocks the action of insulin.

‘The risk of fetus lacking oxygen during labor is increased in pregnant women with diabetes.’

        

The extra blood glucose moving through the placenta result in high blood glucose levels in fetus. This causes fetal macrosomia, or excessive growth of the fetus.

Macrosomia causes fetal hypoxia, that is lack of oxygen in the fetus, increasing the labor-related complications for both the child and the mother.

"The risk of hypoxia and the resulting risk of poor condition in newborn infants was nearly seven-fold in the fetuses of mothers with gestational diabetes compared to the fetuses of non-diabetic mothers”, says researcher Mikko Tarvonen.

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Based on the study findings, intensified Cardiotocography (CTG) monitoring during labor must be performed for women with gestational diabetes for early detection of fetal hypoxia.

The treatment and monitoring of gestational diabetes should focus on the mother, the fetus and the child to prevent fetal hypoxia and enhance delivery safety.

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Gestational Diabetes Puts Women At High Risk of Adult-Onset Diabetes
Women, who fail a test to diagnose gestational diabetes, are more prone to Type II adult-onset diabetes, revealed a new Tel Aviv University study.

Significant risk factors like overweight, insufficient physical activity and an unhealthy diet associated with gestational diabetes can be reduced by healthy living habits and maintaining a good blood glucose level.

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Large Babies Born to Diabetic Mothers are at High Obesity Risk
Large for gestational age (LGA) babies born to mothers with diabetes are at a higher risk of becoming overweight or obese during childhood, compared to AGA babies. Obesity in LGA babies can be prevented by suitable preventive strategies.

Source-Medindia