Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs during pregnancy and is diagnosed when higher than normal blood glucose levels first appear [42386]. GDM usually goes away when the baby is born however it can return in later pregnancies. There is also an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes for the mother and child in the future.

GDM can cause complications during pregnancy, labour and delivery. Resources such as Sharing the diabetes in pregnancy story [47946], aim to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with information about GDM and the journey from testing, preparing for the baby’s arrival to after the baby is born.

To improve GDM outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies [44185], the Australian national diabetes strategy 2021-2030 highlights the need to provide and promote pre-pregnancy programs, detect and manage GDM during pregnancy, and coordinate follow-up and postnatal care.