Gestational diabetes — what you need to know
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 3–7% of pregnancies. It typically appears in the second or third trimester when placental hormones impair insulin action. It usually resolves after delivery, but increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
Why it matters
- For the baby — macrosomia (large birth weight), neonatal hypoglycaemia, jaundice, increased risk of obesity later in life
- For the mother — pre-eclampsia, polyhydramnios, higher likelihood of caesarean section, type 2 diabetes after pregnancy
Diagnostics
The standard test is a 75 g OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) performed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. Women with risk factors are tested earlier. The test is carried out on-site at Femi Premium — no queues, in comfortable surroundings.
Treatment
The first step is a diabetic diet and self-monitoring (4–6 blood glucose readings per day). If values do not normalise within 1–2 weeks, insulin is introduced. Metformin is used only in exceptional cases. Our diabetologist collaborates directly with the OB/GYN managing your pregnancy — all under one roof.
After delivery
A control OGTT is performed 6–12 weeks postpartum to confirm metabolic recovery. We also recommend annual fasting glucose and HOMA-IR checks — the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes remains elevated.