Why Pregnant Women Should Be Tested for Diabetes Before 14 Weeks – Experts
Leading obstetricians, gynecologists, and endocrinologists are advising that pregnant women be tested for gestational diabetes as soon as they begin antenatal care, rather than waiting until the standard 24-26 weeks.
Experts stress that early testing and diagnosis are essential to safeguarding both the mother and baby from complications associated with gestational diabetes. They highlight that if left undetected and unmanaged, gestational diabetes can lead to miscarriages, preterm labor, excessive bleeding during delivery, and intrauterine death. Additionally, babies born to mothers with this condition are at risk for severe neurological and skeletal deformities, type 2 diabetes, and delivery complications.
In discussions with FIRST CLASS GISTS, specialists underscored the importance of lifestyle modifications, regular exercise, a balanced diet, pre-conception care, and consistent antenatal visits to mitigate the risks of gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes, characterized by glucose intolerance or high blood sugar detected during pregnancy, usually resolves after delivery. Traditionally, screening for this condition occurs between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, recent research published in *Lancet*, involving 28 scholars from 13 countries, suggests that testing before 14 weeks could prevent many complications associated with this condition.
According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood sugar levels, leading to damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Globally, around 422 million people live with diabetes, with 1.5 million deaths annually directly attributed to the disease.
Professor Adamu Bakari, an endocrinologist and Chief Medical Director at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, emphasized that screening for diabetes should be a priority at the first antenatal visit. He noted that diabetes is typically screened upon initial patient contact in hospitals, regardless of symptoms, due to its often silent progression. “Screening for gestational diabetes should be mandatory at the earliest opportunity during antenatal care,” he said.
Bakari explained that during pregnancy, women with blood sugar levels between the normal and diabetic ranges are classified as having gestational diabetes. Early detection is crucial to prevent potential complications for both mother and child.
High-risk factors for gestational diabetes include obesity, a history of gestational diabetes, delivery of a baby weighing over 4 kg, and recurrent miscarriages. Other risk indicators include glucose in urine during previous pregnancies, family history of diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance before pregnancy.
For high-risk individuals, early screening is advised, even before pregnancy if possible. Low-risk individuals, such as those under 25, with normal pre-pregnancy weight, and no family history of diabetes, may be screened at the traditional 24-28 weeks.
Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, achieving a normal weight before pregnancy, and ensuring overall health metrics are within normal limits prior to conception.
Professor Oluwarotimi Akinola, a former president of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, highlighted the risks of unmanaged diabetes during pregnancy, including congenital abnormalities and intrauterine death. He also pointed out that uncontrolled gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of developing hypertensive diseases like preeclampsia.
Dr. Akinola recommended early screening to detect and manage diabetes effectively, noting that gestational diabetes can lead to significant complications such as large birth weight, delivery difficulties, and the need for intensive care for the newborn.
Professor Aniekan Abasiattai from the University of Uyo echoed these concerns, emphasizing that early diagnosis is vital to ensure proper management and favorable outcomes. He noted that gestational diabetes can lead to growth retardation, respiratory issues in newborns, and an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.
In summary, early screening for gestational diabetes is critical for effective management and prevention of serious complications for both mother and baby. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and receiving timely care can significantly improve outcomes for pregnant women and their children.
