Warning over gestational diabetes

The charity Diabetes UK is urging women to keep to a healthy weight while trying to conceive and not gain too much weight in pregnancy as, they warn, children born to women with gestational diabetes are six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.  Gestational diabetes is also associated with higher likelihood of birth defects, stillbirth and other complications and women who are overweight are more likely to develop this condition.  

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: “We know being overweight significantly increases the risk of gestational diabetes, we need to get across the message to women that making sure they are a healthy weight is important for their child’s health and that this health benefit may stretch many years into the future.”

Carmel Lloyd, RCM head of education, said: “Women should try to be an ideal weight before they become pregnant and, if not, should follow midwifery advice to manage their weight in pregnancy while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.  Midwives have a key role in advising and supporting women to eat more healthily. During pregnancy is an ideal opportunity to promote healthy eating and a healthier lifestyle.”

If you would like more information on healthy eating during pregnancy see our “Be Healthy” page here

RCM article may be viewed here