🍬 Men's Health
Gestational Diabetes
High blood sugar during pregnancy — what it means and how to manage it
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. In Nigeria, prevalence estimates range from 3% to 14% depending on the population studied — with urban, older, and overweight women at highest risk. GDM increases the risk of a large baby (macrosomia), difficult delivery, birth injury, and hypoglycaemia in the newborn. Mothers with GDM have a 50% lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early detection and management protect both mother and baby.
Signs and Symptoms
✓ Most women have NO symptoms — GDM is detected by screening
✓ Excessive thirst or frequent urination (may be mistaken for normal pregnancy)
✓ Unusual fatigue beyond typical pregnancy tiredness
✓ Blurred vision
✓ Recurrent yeast infections
✓ Baby measuring larger than expected on ultrasound (macrosomia)
✓ Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) detected on scan
When to Seek Help
Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)Shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat — eat fast-acting sugar immediately and call doctor if not resolved
Blood sugar persistently high despite diet changesFasting glucose above 5.3 mmol/L or post-meal above 6.7 mmol/L — medication needed
Baby's movement reducesAfter 28 weeks, count fetal movements daily — reduced movement needs same-day assessment
Signs of preeclampsiaSevere headache, visual changes, facial swelling — GDM women have higher preeclampsia risk
After deliveryBlood sugar usually normalises but recheck at 6–12 weeks postpartum with oral glucose tolerance test
Tests & Diagnosis
🧪 Glucose challenge test (GCT)
75g oral glucose given; blood sugar measured at 1 hour. Positive if ≥ 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL)
🧪 Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
Fasting, then 75g glucose; blood measured at 0, 1, and 2 hours. GDM if fasting ≥ 5.1, 1-hr ≥ 10.0, or 2-hr ≥ 8.5 mmol/L
🧪 Home blood glucose monitoring
Self-monitoring 4x daily (fasting + 1–2 hrs after each meal) is the standard of care once diagnosed
🧪 HbA1c
Not reliable for diagnosing GDM in pregnancy (red blood cells turn over faster), but used to detect pre-existing diabetes
🧪 Fetal growth ultrasound
Regular scans from 28 weeks to monitor for macrosomia (baby too large) and amniotic fluid volume
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my baby definitely have diabetes?
No. With good blood sugar control during pregnancy, your baby's risk of developing diabetes is similar to the general population. However, breastfeeding and maintaining a healthy weight for the child reduces their long-term risk.
Do I need to stop eating garri and eba?
Not completely, but portion size matters significantly. A small serving of eba with plenty of soup (especially vegetable-rich soups like egusi, edikaikong) is better than large portions. White rice and white bread raise blood sugar more quickly than these fermented staples.
Will I need insulin for the rest of my life?
No — gestational diabetes-related insulin is stopped after delivery. However, you must check your blood sugar at 6–12 weeks postpartum and each year, as you have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Can I have a normal delivery?
Many women with well-controlled GDM deliver vaginally. However, if the baby is very large (macrosomia) or blood sugar is poorly controlled, your doctor may recommend induction of labour at 38–39 weeks or caesarean section.