Hello and thank you for your inquiry. There are mainly three types of diabetes mellitus that we see in pregnant women: gestational diabetes (GDM), type II diabetes or type I diabetes. As you have never had diabetes before, it is highly possible that you are having GDM and it is likely indeed that your pregnancy and diabetes are linked.

Diabetes occurs when your body produces insufficient insulin that is needed to control blood glucose levels to meet the extra energy requirements in pregnancy. There are several factors which may increase your risk for GDM such as:

• BMI >27kg/m2
• History of GDM
• First degree relative with diabetes
• You previously had a baby >4kg
• Current medical problems such as hypertension, polyhydramnios
• Steroid medications

Most women with GDM would have healthy babies and normal pregnancies. However, GDM does increase your risk for complications such as:

• Having a larger baby- This may cause a difficult delivery and increase the chances of you requiring induced labour or a caesarean section.
• Polyhydramnios- Having too much amniotic fluid in the womb may increase your risk for premature delivery
• Premature delivery
• Preeclampsia- High blood pressure during pregnancy may increase your risk for other complications
• Newborn complications- Low glucose levels, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) after delivery, congenital malformations
• Stillbirth
• Developing type II diabetes in the future

It is therefore important that you be treated adequately to prevent these complications. Treatment aims at keeping blood glucose levels within the target range. It includes lifestyle modifications such as individualised diet plans for optimal pregnancy weight gain and ensuring sufficient physical activity.

For those with GDM insufficiently controlled by diet and exercise, medications such as oral antihyperglycemic agents or insulin may be necessary. Mother and fetus would also be followed up more closely to monitor for pregnancy-related complications.

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