GESTATIONAL DIABETES: PROTECT MOTHER AND BABY 2 KEY EVIDENCE-BASED MESSAGES 1. Screen for gestational diabetes at the recommended time. - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of fetal overgrowth, birth trauma, hypertensive disorders and future type 2 diabetes. - In India, follow the applicable national and institutional protocol for screening. The Government of India’s DIPSI approach uses a 75-g oral glucose load irrespective of the last meal, with plasma glucose measured after 2 hours; a value of 140 mg/dL or higher is considered positive under this approach. - Women with risk factors or suspected overt diabetes early in pregnancy may require earlier testing and assessment. 2. Treat GDM with structured, individualized care. - Start with medical nutrition therapy, appropriate physical activity and regular glucose monitoring. - If glucose targets are not achieved, initiate pharmacotherapy according to the local protocol; insulin is an established treatment option in pregnancy. - Monitor fetal growth and plan delivery according to glycemic control, complications and obstetric indications. KEY CLINICAL REMINDER Postpartum follow-up is essential: arrange diabetes testing after delivery according to the applicable guideline and continue long-term diabetes surveillance because women with GDM have an increased future risk of type 2 diabetes. National Health Mission Evidence sources - National Health Mission — National GDM diagnosis and management guidelines. - World Health Organization — WHO recommendations on care for women with diabetes during pregnancy (2025). #SUNLEAFWOMENSCARE #GESTATIONALDIABETES #GDM #PREGNANCYCARE #HIGH RISK PREGNANCY #MATERNALHEALTH #ANTENATALCARE #DIABETESINPREGNANCY #SURAT #SART HANA #VARACHHA