Gestational diabetes may predispose to postpartum depression symptoms

image credit: dlife.com

Gestational diabetes mellitus refers to impaired glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Often, mothers with GDM have too high blood glucose levels, and this increases the risk of various adverse effects on the fetus. Moreover, GDM increases the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Postpartum depression symptoms are experienced by 10-15 per cent of mothers after childbirth. The newly published study used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess depression symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy and eight weeks after delivery.

Postpartum depression symptoms were observed in 16 per cent of mothers diagnosed with GDM, and in approximately nine per cent of mothers without GDM. The researchers used statistical methods to adjust the results for other factors contributing to the risk of GDM and postpartum depression symptoms, such as maternal age at delivery, body mass index and depression symptoms experienced during pregnancy. The findings were reported in Journal of Affective Disorders.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus(GDM) during pregnancy: Screening and Diagnosis

via parenthub.com.au

"Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in women who have carbohydrate intolerance with onset or recognition during pregnancy. With the increase in obesity and sedentary lifestyle, the prevalence of DM among reproductive-aged women is increasing globally. 

In view of the increasing prevalence of GDM and fetal and neonatal complications associated with it, there is a splurge of research in this field and management of GDM is undergoing a sea change. Goals of metabolic management of a pregnancy complicated with GDM have to balance the needs of a healthy pregnancy with the requirements to control glucose level.

The prevalence of GDM varies in direct proportion to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in a given population or ethnic group. It has been estimated that up to 6–7% of pregnancies are complicated by diabetes mellitus (DM) and that approximately 90% of these cases represent women with GDM. As the risk of developing GDM in subsequent pregnancies and also the risk of overt diabetes in later life is high, regular assessment of these women is required in future.

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is on the increase and, if not diagnosed, managed and treated adequately, can have unfavorable maternal and fetal outcomes. Women with GDM are at higher risk of gestational hypertension, Preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery and its associated potential morbidities. 

Most importantly, women with GDM have an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life. It is projected that up to 50% of women with GDM will develop diabetes 22–28 years after pregnancy. The progression to type 2 diabetes may be influenced by ethnicity and the incidence of obesity..."

Learn more:

http://www.ijogr.com/blog/2016/gestational-diabetes-mellitus-screening-diagnosis/