Warning to pregnant women as gestational diabetes rate jumps

RATES of gestational diabetes are skyrocketing in Queensland, jumping by almost 60 per cent in three years. Experts have identified three factors behind the startling rise.

RATES of gestational diabetes are skyrocketing in Queensland, jumping by almost 60 per cent in three years.

Figures to be released in next month’s Health of Queenslanders 2018 report reveal that 12 per cent of pregnant women had gestational diabetes in 2016 — equating to about 7300 women.

In 2013, about 4650 Queensland women, or 7.6 per cent of those who gave birth, were diagnosed with the condition.

The deputy director-general of Queensland Health’s clinical excellence division, John Wakefield, and obstetrician Gino Pecoraro both say new diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes, introduced in 2014/15, partly explains the significant rise.

But they say increases in Queenslanders’ body mass index and the number of older women giving birth are also likely contributing factors.

Manusiu ‘Uhila developed gestational diabetes while carrying her eighth child, Kini Jr. Picture: Tara Croser

Pregnant women in their 40s have a greater risk of ­developing gestational diabetes, as have women with a BMI above 30.

Other factors, including genetics, ethnicity, exercise and diet also play a role.

“As people can’t change their ethnicity, or their genetics, the important thing is to focus on a healthy life,” Dr Wakefield said.

“There are some simple steps that women can take to reduce their risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy by monitoring weight gain, participating in regular physical activity and eating a well-­balanced diet.”

Dr Wakefield said identifying women with gestational diabetes was vital for the health of both mother and baby.

“If gestational diabetes is not treated, high blood glucose levels can cause a range of problems, including difficult births, babies growing too big or being born too early and developing diabetes and other health issues later on,” he said.

Dr Pecoraro said detecting gestational diabetes early in pregnancy, and treating it, resulted in fewer complications, which meant a decreased need for caesareans.

“If a woman gets gestational diabetes, then she should be seen by an obstetrician because that’s a complication of pregnancy,” he said.

Manusiu ‘Uhila, 34, developed gestational diabetes with her eighth child, Kini Jr, who was born at Logan Hospital last week, despite never having been diagnosed with the condition during her previous pregnancies.

Ms ‘Uhila urged other women to take gestational diabetes seriously and to follow the dietary requirements for pregnancy.

“It’s good to put it out there so everyone can take care of themselves, especially for the baby,” she said.

Although gestational diabetes usually disappears after a woman gives birth, Dr Pecoraro says they should be tested about six weeks afterwards to make sure their blood sugars had returned to normal.