# Diabetes in Pregnancy: Why Screening and Regular Monitoring Matter
High blood sugar during pregnancy can happen in two ways. Some women already have diabetes before conception. Others develop gestational diabetes, which is first detected during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester.
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# Why it needs attention
Raised sugar levels can lead to a larger baby, early delivery, a higher chance of caesarean birth, low blood sugar in the newborn and high blood pressure in the mother. Careful control lowers these risks.
# Screening
A glucose tolerance test is typically done between 24 and 28 weeks, and earlier for women with risk factors such as a family history, previous gestational diabetes, obesity or PCOS. The test is simple, involves a sweet drink and timed blood samples, and the doctor explains the preparation in advance.
# Day to day management
- Regular small meals with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein and fibre
- Daily walking, if the doctor agrees
- Home blood sugar checks as advised
- Insulin or tablets when diet and activity are not enough
- Extra scans to follow growth of the baby
After delivery, a sugar test is repeated, since women with gestational diabetes have a higher chance of type 2 diabetes later.
Questions to raise at the antenatal visit include how often to check sugar at home, what readings should prompt a call, how the delivery timing will be decided, and what to eat when travelling or fasting. Keep a written log of readings, as it makes dose adjustments quicker.
A page on diabetes management in pregnancy appears on the website of Dr. Sambit Nanda, where he practises as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. Readers searching for a Gynecologist in Andheri West can use it to understand how antenatal care is organised.
This article is general information for readers and does not replace a consultation. Please see a qualified doctor for advice about your own situation.