DOHA: Women’s Hospital is encouraging women in Qatar to get tested for gestational diabetes (GDM) early in pregnancy to prevent complications.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 33 percent of pregnant women in Qatar have GDM.
Dr Faten Al Taher, Senior Consultant at Women’s Hospital said, “Women may be at particular risk of having gestational diabetes if they are overweight and have a body mass index of 25 or higher. Women who are sedentary and have a family history of type 2 diabetes, or have high blood pressure and smoke are at an increased risk. In addition, those who suffer from high cholesterol, have a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome or have had a baby weighing four kilogrammes or more, are at an even greater risk.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) also concurs that GDM is a serious condition, resulting in birth complications, an increase in Caesarean section births, large babies and a higher risk of obesity for the baby in later years.
Dr Faten further said, “If GDM is detected early, we can manage the treatment of our patients more effectively by putting them on a special diet. If their blood sugar is still not controlled they will be prescribed oral medication and then if this is not effective they will be administered insulin to manage their diabetic condition.”
“Women who are diabetic should consult their physician three months prior to pregnancy. The reality is, if a woman has high blood sugar during pregnancy, she is at high risk of having a miscarriage or having a baby with abnormalities,” she added.
Women diagnosed with GDM will also be referred to a dietician at Women’s Hospital who will work with them to control diet and regulate blood sugar levels. The dietician will suggest lifestyle changes such as adding more physical activity into their daily routine.
Women’s Hospital offers daily nutritional counselling without an appointment (walk-in clinic) and a weekly group education clinic in English, Arabic and Hindi, every Monday from 11 am-12noon, aimed at educating women on living with diabetes and offering preventive counselling to help avoid the chronic disease.
Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes will be referred to a Women’s Hospital diabetes educator for general counselling about the disease and the risks. They will also gain information on administering insulin injections, treating low and high blood sugar, using a glucometer, charting blood sugar levels and following home glucose monitoring.
In addition, all patients have access to a diabetic hotline: 4439-6980 to get diabetic counselling, five days a week (Sunday to Thursday) from 8am to 2pm.
The Peninsula
