Australian authorities report a sharp rise in gestational diabetes

The Australian authorities have today revealed a sharp rise in gestational diabetes which has the potential to become a major worry in the future. It has been confirmed that the rate of gestational diabetes in women aged 15 to 49 has increased by an alarming 20% between 2000 and 2006. While there are many reasons as to why this increase may have occurred the major considerations are:-

Diets

The problem of obesity is not something which is specifically associated with countries such as America and has been shown to be prevalent in many countries of the world. The Australian health authority has confirmed that more pregnant ladies than ever before are on the verge of obesity before they become pregnant – a situation which increases the risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Lifestyle

Linked to the diet situation, there has been a worldwide reduction in the amount of exercise the general person will encounter in a normal day. The situation would not normally develop into diabetes but if pregnant ladies are “unfit” before pregnancy then the lack of exercise could exacerbate the situation. Diet and lifestyle go very much hand in hand and a lack of exercise is something which is occurring all over the globe.

Later pregnancies

Of the figures released by the Australian health authority one which concerns many people the most is the difference between instances of gestational diabetes in those aged 15 to 19 (1%) and those between 44 and 49 (13%). This worrying trend seems set to continue as medical advances make it easier for women to fall pregnant in the later years of life. Quite why the instances of gestational diabetes are so different between the two age groups is something which has prompted much debate.

Regional variations

It has been revealed that women born in Southern Asia have more than three times the risk of developing gestational diabetes than those born in Australia. In general, women born overseas have double the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes when considered against those born in Australia.

Managing the situation

One hospital in Australia has reported a 100% increase in the admission of pregnant women suffering from gestational diabetes over the last eight years. However, the ongoing issue of gestational diabetes has led to the creation of a computer-based system which allows nurses and patients to manage the situation to ensure the diabetes does not continue after pregnancy.

However, for those thinking of having children in later life the Australian figures suggest that ladies who are overweight prior to their pregnancy and develop gestational diabetes will have a 50% chance of contracting Type II diabetes within 10 years.

Conclusion

While gestational diabetes has been on the increase for sometime these figures released by the Australian health authority are somewhat alarming for those in later life looking to have a baby. This is not generally the individual’s fault as diets and exercise regimes have changed all over the world during the last 10 years. In simple terms, if your weight is under control and you are generally fit prior to pregnancy the impact in the short, medium and long-term should be reduced somewhat.

Related posts:

1. Asian Women have a Higher Risk of Developing Diabetes
2. GDM is a Risk during Pregnancy
3. Gestational Diabetes Have Increased Risks for both Mother and Unborn Child
4. The frightening thought of gestational diabetes

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