Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot act  insulin  properly to meet the increased needs. This can lead to high blood sugar levels that may affect both mother and baby. However, with timely diagnosis, careful monitoring, and proper management, a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery are possible. Dr. MK Azad’s expert team supports expectant mothers through customised diet plans, glucose monitoring, and medication if needed. Education and emotional support are also provided to reduce stress and promote confidence. After childbirth, follow-up care is offered to reduce the risk of future diabetes in both mother and child.

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গর্ভাবস্থায় ডায়াবেটিস তখনিই ঘটে, যখন শরীরে ইনসুলিন সঠিকভানে কাজ করতে পারে না। এটি রক্তে শর্করার মাত্রা বাড়িয়ে দিতে পারে এবং মায়ের ও শিশুর জন্য ঝুঁকি তৈরি করতে পারে। তবে সঠিক সময়ে নির্ণয়, মনিটরিং এবং ব্যবস্থাপনার মাধ্যমে একটি স্বাস্থ্যকর গর্ভাবস্থা এবং নিরাপদ জন্ম সম্ভব। ড. এমকে আজাদ গর্ভবতী মায়েদের জন্য কাস্টমাইজড ডায়েট পরিকল্পনা, গ্লুকোজ মনিটরিং এবং প্রয়োজনে ওষুধ ব্যবস্থা সহ সমর্থন প্রদান করেন।

🧬 Gestational Diabetes Treatment Procedure

By Dr. M K Azad
Diabetes, Hormone, Medicine Specialist & Interventional Endocrinologist
Consultant & Head, Department of Endocrinology, Government Employees Hospital, Fulbaria, Dhaka

FCPS (Medicine), MD (Endocrinology), DEM (BIRDEM), MPH (Epidemiology)
Advanced Hormone Training – Singapore, Korea

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, typically around the 24th to 28th week. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs during pregnancy. Left untreated, it can cause complications for both the mother and baby, including preeclampsia, high birth weight, and the baby’s increased risk of developing diabetes later in life. Dr. M.K. Azad specializes in the treatment and management of gestational diabetes, ensuring both mother and baby remain healthy throughout pregnancy.

🧬 Causes and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes:

• Insulin Resistance: During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the body less sensitive to insulin, leading to higher blood glucose levels

• Overweight or Obesity: Women who are overweight before pregnancy have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes

• Previous Gestational Diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy are at higher risk

• Family History: A family history of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes

• Age: Women over the age of 25, especially those 35 or older, have a higher risk of gestational diabetes

• Ethnicity: Women of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian descent are at a higher risk

🩺 Step-by-Step Gestational Diabetes Treatment Procedure:

1. Initial Diagnosis and Screening

• Routine Screening:

  • Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): A common test done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes

  • If the test shows elevated blood glucose levels, further tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis

• Risk Assessment:

  • Dr. Azad evaluates risk factors such as age, obesity, family history, and previous pregnancies to assess the likelihood of gestational diabetes

2. Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

• Dietary Counseling:

  • Balanced Meal Plan: Dr. Azad works with a nutritionist to create a balanced, nutrient-dense meal plan to control blood sugar levels

  • Emphasis on foods with a low glycemic index (whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins) and avoiding foods that cause rapid blood sugar spikes (sugary foods, refined carbs)

  • Frequent Small Meals: Consuming smaller meals throughout the day can help manage blood sugar and avoid spikes

• Physical Activity:

  • Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar levels

  • Dr. Azad recommends pregnancy-safe activities such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga

  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy can help regulate blood sugar levels

3. Blood Sugar Monitoring

• Self-Monitoring:

  • Dr. Azad advises frequent blood glucose monitoring at home, usually 4 times a day (fasting, after meals) to keep track of blood sugar levels

  • Patients may be guided on how to use a blood glucose meter and interpret results

• Regular Check-ups:

  • Regular visits to Dr. Azad to monitor blood sugar levels and adjust treatment as necessary

4. Insulin and Medication Management

• Insulin Therapy:

  • If blood sugar levels cannot be controlled through diet and exercise, Dr. Azad may prescribe insulin to help regulate blood glucose

  • Insulin is safe during pregnancy and does not cross the placenta, so it will not affect the baby

  • Dr. Azad may recommend long-acting insulin or short-acting insulin before meals, depending on the patient’s needs

• Oral Medications:

  • In some cases, medications like Metformin or Glyburide may be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels, although insulin is more commonly used

5. Monitoring Fetal Health

• Regular Ultrasounds:

  • To monitor fetal growth and development, as gestational diabetes can cause the baby to grow larger than normal (macrosomia)

• Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring:

  • Dr. Azad ensures that the baby’s heart rate and overall health are monitored closely during pregnancy

6. Postpartum Care and Monitoring

• Postpartum Blood Glucose Testing:

  • After delivery, Dr. Azad recommends a glucose tolerance test to ensure blood sugar levels return to normal

  • Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so Dr. Azad emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups and continued blood sugar monitoring

• Lifestyle Modifications Postpartum:

  • Dr. Azad provides counseling on maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

  • Breastfeeding is encouraged, as it has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in both mother and baby

🩺 Benefits of Gestational Diabetes Treatment:

• Healthy Pregnancy: Effective management reduces the risk of complications like preeclampsia, premature birth, and birth defects

• Baby’s Health: Prevents the baby from growing too large, which can lead to birth complications such as shoulder dystocia

• Postpartum Health: Reduces the likelihood of postpartum complications and lowers the risk of the mother developing type 2 diabetes later in life

• Ongoing Care: Dr. Azad’s personalized treatment plan ensures that women with gestational diabetes receive comprehensive care and ongoing support to ensure long-term health

📍 Clinic Address: Islami Bank Hospital and Cardiac Center, Mirpur
📞 For appointments 01810000123, 01327997655