Gestational Diabetes is a condition that develops during pregnancy that usually resloves after birth of the baby. It occurs when the mother develops relative insulin resitance during pregnancy, leading to a raised blood sugar. If left untreated it can lead to problems for both mother and baby. Affected mothers are at risk of complications during delivery and possible future health problems such as Type II diabetes. Their babies are at risk for low blood glucose postnatally, due to high insulin levels in the baby, and macrosomia (high birth weight > 4kg). A family history of type II diabetes, obesity, being an older mother and having previously given birth to a big baby are some of the risk factors associated with this condtion.
It is likely that there will be an increase in this condition amoong pregnant women given that these risk factors such as obesity and late motherhood are on the increase. This project will be looking at the effect of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on pregrnant women and their babies over a 10 year study period. Due to increased awareness and better control of the condition, we hope that despite a likely increase in the condition, there may be a reduction in poor outcomes over time. The findiings of this study will be used to help inform health policy on the impact of this condition on the health of mothers, babies and the impact on the health services.
