GESTATIONAL DIABETES

The number of Australian women who develop gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy) has been rapidly increasing over the past two decades, with more than 1 in 7 women now affected. This is due to both a change in the way it is diagnosed and increasing risk factors among women of reproductive age. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes has important implications for both mother and baby.

DL mag dietitian and diabetes educator, Dr Kate Marsh, explains what GDM is, how it is diagnosed and managed and what women who have had GDM can do to reduce their future diabetes risk.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

A woman is at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes if they:

■ Have had gestational diabetes in