Saqib Rather
Srinagar, July 30: Obstetricians and diabetes specialists in Jammu and Kashmir are urging pregnant women to undergo timely screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), saying early diagnosis and proper management can significantly reduce health risks for both mothers and their babies.
Doctors say gestational diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy, often develops without noticeable symptoms. It is usually detected through routine blood glucose testing during antenatal care, making regular pregnancy check-ups essential.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), gestational diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions affecting pregnancy worldwide. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of complications such as high birth weight, premature delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension and the need for caesarean section. It also raises the mother’s long-term risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
“Many women feel completely healthy during pregnancy and are surprised when routine tests reveal gestational diabetes,” said Dr. Sabiya Qadri, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. “The condition is manageable in most cases, but only if it is detected early and monitored throughout pregnancy.”
Doctors explain that factors such as obesity, a family history of diabetes, advancing maternal age, previous gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can increase the likelihood of developing the condition. However, they emphasise that gestational diabetes can also occur in women without obvious risk factors.
Healthcare professionals say management usually includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity as advised during pregnancy, frequent blood sugar monitoring and, where necessary, medication prescribed by a specialist.
“The objective is not simply to lower blood sugar but to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery,” said Dr. Bilal Ahmad, Consultant Endocrinologist. “With appropriate medical care and regular follow-up, most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies.”
Nutritionists stress that pregnant women should avoid making drastic dietary changes without professional guidance.
“Every pregnancy is different,” said Dr. Nusrat Jan, Clinical Nutrition Specialist. “Nutritional plans should support both maternal health and fetal growth while helping maintain healthy blood glucose levels.”
Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes say counselling helped reduce anxiety after the diagnosis.
“When I was told my blood sugar was high during pregnancy, I became frightened,” said Shazia, a 31-year-old mother from Baramulla. “My doctors explained the condition, monitored me regularly and guided me on diet and exercise. My baby was born healthy, and that gave me confidence in the importance of regular check-ups.”
Doctors also emphasise the importance of post-delivery follow-up, noting that blood sugar levels often return to normal after childbirth but women who have had gestational diabetes remain at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
They recommend continued medical monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight after pregnancy.
“Pregnancy offers an opportunity to identify women who may be at future risk of diabetes,” said a senior public health specialist. “Follow-up after delivery is just as important as treatment during pregnancy.”
Health officials say strengthening antenatal care, improving awareness and ensuring timely screening at government and private healthcare facilities can help reduce pregnancy-related complications and improve maternal and newborn outcomes. As cases of diabetes continue to rise globally, doctors believe that recognising gestational diabetes as a manageable condition rather than a cause for fear is essential. They say a simple screening test during pregnancy, followed by appropriate medical care, can make a lasting difference to the health of both mother and child.
