سكري الحمل

Definition

Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose first detected in pregnancy, driven by placental hormones that increase insulin resistance.

Risk factors

Obesity, previous gestational diabetes, family history, a previous baby over 4 kg, PCOS and age.

Diagnosis

Screening at 24–28 weeks with a glucose tolerance test, earlier when risk factors are present.

Risks to the baby

• Macrosomia and difficult delivery such as shoulder dystocia
• Neonatal hypoglycaemia right after birth
• Jaundice and breathing problems

Risks to the mother

Pre-eclampsia, caesarean delivery, and later type 2 diabetes.

Treatment

• Diet, physical activity and glucose monitoring
• Insulin if that is not enough; some guidelines use metformin

Nursing care

• Teach fasting and post-meal glucose checks
• Check the newborn’s glucose after birth
• Maternal glucose tolerance test 4–12 weeks postpartum

Exam point

It usually resolves after delivery, but the mother is at high risk of type 2 diabetes later and needs regular follow-up.