Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

GDM is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy.

Most women are diagnosed using a pathology test, which requires blood to be taken before and after a glucose drink. This is known as an oral glucose tolerance test.

This test is usually performed between 24-28 weeks into the pregnancy, or earlier if you are high risk.

Risk factors for developing GDM:

>35 years old
Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
Being overweight
Being from certain ethnic backgrounds including:
- Indigenous Australians and Torre strait Islanders
- South Asian
- Vietnamese
- Chinese
- Middle Eastern
- Polynesian
- Melanesian
Previous history of Gestational Diabetes
Previous history of large baby
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Taking some antipsychotic or steroid medications

Risk factors for developing GDM:

>35 years old
Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
Being overweight
Previous history of Gestational Diabetes
Previous history of large baby
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Taking some antipsychotic or steroid medications

Being from certain ethnic backgrounds including:
- Indigenous Australians and Torre strait Islanders
- South Asian
- Vietnamese
- Chinese
- Middle Eastern
- Polynesian
- Melanesian

GDM Management

Gestational Diabetes can be managed with:

Monitoring blood glucose levels,
Healthy eating,
Physical activity,
and sometimes medication.

Why do we worry about GDM?

There are increased risks during pregnancy and delivery to mum and baby.

Maggie will educate you on how to manage your GDM and how to reduce these risks.

Contact Maggie today