Gestational Diabetes: Why regular glucose monitoring matters

Although pregnancy is frequently characterised as a joyful and exciting journey, it can also highlight unspoken health risks. Gestational diabetes is increasingly being recognised as a significant health concern during pregnancy. In India, the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of India (DIPSI) guidelines, recently revised and endorsed by the Ministry of Health, recommend universal screening for all pregnant women, reflecting the country’s rising burden of gestational diabetes and the need for early, accessible diagnosis1. It often goes unnoticed, but if left untreated, it can put both mother and child at risk, leading to birth complications and increasing the chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Knowing why early screening is essential could mean the difference between routine care and major health issues.

Because gestational diabetes often develops without obvious symptoms, many expectant mothers may not realise they are at risk until tests reveal elevated blood sugar levels. This is why central health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend screening between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy2. However, the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) advises that screening can begin even earlier, ideally at the first antenatal visit, to ensure timely detection and management. Even in people without conventional risk factors, universal testing ensures early case detection, enabling interventions such as glucose monitoring, safe physical activity, and medical nutrition therapy. According to the DIPSI (2023) recommendations, a single-step 75 g oral glucose test, regardless of fasting status, is considered a reliable, cost-effective screening approach for use even at primary healthcare levels across India.




How high blood sugar affects mothers and babies

Elevated blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to a range of complications if left uncontrolled. For babies, excess glucose in the mother’s bloodstream can lead to macrosomia (typically defined as a birth weight of more than 4 kg or 4,000 g), increasing the risk of shoulder dystocia during delivery3. Newborns may also experience low blood sugar (neonatal hypoglycaemia) soon after birth or require admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Severe, uncontrolled cases have been linked with higher risks of stillbirth. These outcomes underscore the importance of early detection and careful management throughout pregnancy.

Managing gestational diabetes safely

The primary goal of managing gestational diabetes is to make sure that blood glucose levels are kept steady to safeguard the health of the mother and the foetus. Dietary plans that are balanced are necessary for efficient management. While meals prepared with measured carbohydrate portions help prevent unexpected blood sugar spikes, foods high in fiber encourage gradual sugar absorption and improved digestion. Cutting back on processed foods and refined sugars encourages a consistent release of energy, which is good for the mother's general health as well as the development of the fetus.

Walking and other pregnancy-safe exercises are examples of moderate physical activity that improve insulin sensitivity and help to maintain glucose balance. To ensure safe management throughout pregnancy, insulin or other prescribed medications are introduced under clinical supervision when lifestyle changes alone are unable to meet blood sugar targets.

Postpartum diabetes and long-term health

Women who experience gestational diabetes face a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 Diabetes or preDiabetes later in life4. This risk persists even when blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery, underscoring the importance of regular glucose monitoring. Clinical data show that up to half of all women with gestational diabetes may develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years if preventive measures are not taken5.

Postpartum screening through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is therefore considered an essential step in ongoing care, ideally conducted within 4 to 12 weeks after childbirth and repeated every one to three years6. However, global studies indicate that compliance with these follow-up screenings remains low, often due to limited awareness or lack of integration into routine maternal health check-ups.

Emerging research also links certain postpartum practices, such as breastfeeding, to improved glucose regulation and reduced Diabetes risk, though findings differ based on genetic, lifestyle, and population factors7. Strengthening postpartum surveillance and education within healthcare systems is increasingly seen as key to reducing the long-term burden of diabetes among women affected by gestational diabetes. The DIPSI guidelines further stress the need for postpartum glucose testing within six weeks and continued follow-up as part of national non-communicable disease programmes7.

The key to shielding mother and child from the immediate and long-term effects of gestational diabetes is early detection, cautious treatment, and regular monitoring. Women may be able to lower the health risks for themselves and their babies by following screening recommendations, monitoring blood sugar levels, adopting healthy eating and activity habits, and attending routine postpartum checkups in consultation with their doctor.

Public awareness, clinician guidance, and system-level support are necessary to make these interventions successful and accessible. This will help turn gestational diabetes from a hidden threat into a manageable part of a healthy pregnancy journey.

References:

1. https://www.ijddc.org/doc/mPW1fkSM-13410_2023_1222_PrintPDF.pdf
2. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/262679-overview?form=fpf
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-Diabetes/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10041873/
5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9016728/
6. https://www.womenspreventivehealth.org/wp-content/uploads/Diabetes-Screening-after-Pregnancy-12-1-2022.pdf
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4146528/

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgments of the experts, and TIL does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. The information provided is indented solely for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advise or endorsement. Please consult your treating physician for more details. This article has been produced on behalf of Roche Diabetes Care India Pvt Ltd by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.