A study conducted by Yeditepe University to reveal the rates of gestational diabetes in Turkey revealed that gestational diabetes was 4.5 percent in expectant mothers who had no risk.

It is known that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate all over the world. Intense research continues on this subject. However, the information on gestational diabetes, which is extremely important in terms of the risks that cause problems to both mother and baby, is very limited. A new study was conducted to address this deficit. In the study coordinated by Yeditepe University, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, 2,643 women between the ages of 18-45 and 24-28 weeks of pregnancy were tested for oral glucose tolerance test and the results were obtained.

As a result of the research, the incidence of gestational diabetes is 16.2 percent, in other words, one in every 7 pregnant women has gestational diabetes. Our expert stated: "However, according to the study, it draws attention that 4.5 percent of gestational diabetes is also detected in women with a high body mass index, advanced age, or no risk factors other than those with a family history of diabetes."

Rates Higher Than Known

Our expert also added the following: “According to TURKSTAT data in 2017, 1 million 292 thousand pregnancies occurred in our country. Assuming that 16.2 percent of them have gestational diabetes, this shows us that there are approximately 209,150 women with gestational diabetes. Age is one of the most important criteria in gestational diabetes. The research confirms this information.”

Critical Limit: 8 Kg In The First 6 Months

According to the results of the research, as the age increases, the incidence of gestational diabetes increases. One in three women over the age of 35 develops the disease. However, the weight gained during pregnancy is also effective in the development of diabetes. If you gain 8 kg or more in the first 6 months, your risk of developing diabetes doubles.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Required

High body mass index, previous family history of Type 2 diabetes, and previous pregnancies of women with diabetes are among the risk factors. However, the absence of any of these does not prevent encountering the disease. Our expert: ''One in 20 pregnant women under the age of 25, who have a normal body mass index and no family history of diabetes, had gestational diabetes. This is an extremely important data. Because while the rate of gestational diabetes in the risky group in Northern European countries is about 2-3 percent, the rate even in women who do not carry any risk is almost twice this figure. This shows us how important weight and eating habits are.”

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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