Monitor Diet to Avoid Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy, Urge Experts

Doha, June 04 (QNA) - The need to eat for two people during pregnancy is a fallacy which could lead to long-term risks like developing metabolic syndrome for the newborn, an obstetrics expert said here. Berlin-based Charite University Medicine, Head of Division of Experimental Obstetrics Professor Dr Andreas Plagemann said, "The perception of eating for two people is the biggest misconception that many women have regarding nutritional needs during pregnancy." This belief was incorrect and could lead to overeating, as well as neonatal overfeeding, which in turn may lead to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), he said. Speaking at the Sidra Symposia Series hosted here by Sidra Medical and Research Center (SMRC), the professor told the symposium, "Overeating and overfeeding of the fetus, which occurs in one-third of pregnancies in westernized countries, may lead to epigenetic programming of long-term risks for the newborn, such as developing the metabolic syndrome. "Although an increase in appetite and weight gain is expected and is normal during the nine-month period, women should maintain a healthy weight increase and maintain a sufficient level of physical activity." Top local and international experts attended the symposium which probed GDM and urged monitoring diet and universal screening for pregnant women. SMRC Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Obstetrics and Gynecology Professor Dr. Joachim W. Dudenhausen moderated the panel of international and local experts on GDM. The panel comprised Dr. Badreldeen Ahmed, Head of Feto-Maternal Center in Doha; Dr. Amos Grunebaum, Director of Obstetrics and Chief of Labor and Delivery and Director of Obstetric Patient Safety and Quality Improvement at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, U.S.; and Dr. Andreas Plagemann. Gestational diabetes is an important disease to be aware of during pregnancy and, if left untreated, may worsen maternal and fetal outcomes. Dr. Grunebaum explained that treatment for GDM begins well before pregnancy by optimizing weight and includes proper diet, exercise, intensive monitoring of glucose levels, insulin and oral hypoglycemic medications, with most women responding to adequate changes in diet and exercise patterns. Globally GDM affects two to 10 percent of pregnant women, which makes it the most prevalent health concern during pregnancy. GDM usually develops during the 24th - 28th week of pregnancy, when the body is required to produce two to three times more insulin to balance the blood glucose level. If a pregnant woman's body is not able to produce this required amount, then blood glucose levels increase, resulting in GDM. After a woman gives birth, blood glucose levels return to normal. Sidra's Communications Project Director Khalid Al Mohannadi said, "We selected the topic of GDM because of the prevalence of this condition globally and, in particular, in Qatar. As a specialty center for women's and children's health, Sidra's role is to address those conditions that most affect the women and children of this region. This has been another important symposium that will help to improve the care we offer." The GDM symposium marked the fourth event of the Sidra Symposia Series, a quarterly medical conference that is hosted and organized by the SMRC. The Series is designed to address the most important topics facing womens and children's healthcare to the medical community and to share medical knowledge, research, and the best practices. (QNA)