​​​​​​​Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: What Is It and How Does It Affect You and Your Baby?​​​

In Singapore, about 15-20% of all pregnancies are complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Pregnancy increases your risk of developing diabetes because of placental hormones. These increase your glucose levels and your body's resistance to insulin, which is important for the controlling of blood glucose.

“Gestational diabetes mellitus usually starts in the second or third trimester. It usually disappears after delivery,” says Dr Lim Weiying​, Associate Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth​ group.

You are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus​ if you have:

1. Body mass index (BMI) of 23 kg/m² and above 
2. First degree relatives (parents, siblings or children) with diabetes mellitus
3. Personal history of previous gestational diabetes mellitus, or large babies weighing over 4 kg
4. Previous poor pregnancy (obstetric) outcomes that are usually associated with diabetes, such as stillbirth

Most women with gestational diabetes mellitus have healthy pregnancies and babies. However, if not well-controlled, gestational diabetes mellitus has potential risks for both mother and baby.

There will be a higher chance of risk at these stages:

It is therefore important to diagnose and treat gestational diabetes mellitus optimally to reduce these risks.

​

Ref: O17