Photo: Tony Lanz
Nycki Etherington was shocked when she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A slim 29-year-old, Etherington had no risk factors for the disease, which occurs when a woman?s pancreas isn?t able to produce the extra insulin needed to keep increased blood sugar in check during pregnancy. Since GDM has no real symptoms (common complaints of people with diabetes, such as tiredness and frequent urination, are often normal parts of pregnancy), she had no warning signs.
Etherington was given an oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks, and, like almost 10 percent of pregnant women, received a positive result.
Enduring yet another procedure during pregnancy can seem like an unnecessary inconvenience?the oral glucose tolerance test takes several hours to complete?yet it?s essential to catch and treat this condition. Left unchecked, high blood sugar levels increase the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, which is life-threatening to both mom and baby. As well, women with GDM may give birth to very large babies, which can get stuck in the birth canal and require intervention, such as a C-section. However, as Winnipeg endocrinologist Pam Katz notes, the condition is highly manageable. In fact, if women with GDM are properly monitored and work to keep their blood sugar levels in check, most go on to have healthy pregnancies. ?With education and support,? Katz says, ?most patients with gestational diabetes have a positive experience and a great...