GDM RISK FACTORS

• Overweight:  Asians with BMI above 23 are at higher risk of GDM as adipose tissue (body fat) produces hormones that can decrease insulin sensitivity, and thereby making it difficult to regulate blood sugar level. When you become pregnant, the placental lactogen start to severely affect the insulin sensitivity which are already damaged.

• Risking age: Once you are above 30,  slowly the body fat starts to shift towards the abdomen, which is associated with increased insulin resistance. Along with that there is a likelihood of having pre-existing metabolic issues related to age, which make our body to  be less efficient in utilizing insulin.

• Increased blood pressure: In a pregnant women, increased blood pressure (preeclampsia: higher blood pressure during pregnancy, that is systolic pressure greater than or equal to  140 mm Hg) can also be a causing factor for GDM.

• Hereditary factors: The genetic predisposition can be considered as a major factor which contribute to GDM, especially the genes like GCK (glucokinase), TCF7L2, SLC30A8 and so on, which play a major role in insulin sensitivity and glucose sensing. Hence your chances of developing GDM are much higher, if your immediate family relatives like parents and grandparents have a history of Type II diabetes.

• Existing polycystic ovary syndrome: The accumulation of many eggs over time swells the ovary, which in turn release large quantity of male hormones like androgen, which increases insulin resistance among women.

• Lack of physical activity is linked to decreased insulin sensitivity.

• GDM in earlier pregnancy as well as, the overweight of child in previous birth (4kg and above), also increases your risk of GDM.

                         Though the above mentioned factors increases your risk for GDM, but with proper diet, exercise and sound sleep which can get back to a healthy life.