Beware Of Diabetes During Pregnancy, Dangerous For Mothers And Babies

Illustration of pregnant tubh (Pexels/Leah Newhouse)

JAKARTA - Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels (glucose). Many people are susceptible to this disease, one of which is pregnant women.

Diabetes during pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes, where high blood sugar levels occur during pregnancy. This condition usually occurs in the middle of pregnancy.

Internal Medicine Specialist Eka Hospital Permata Hijau, Pandu Tridana, Sp. PD, AIFO-K, said that currently cases of gestational diabetes are increasing, so prospective mothers are asked to be more vigilant.

The gestational diabetes or diabetes rate during pregnancy is also high. That's why we have to be really aware," said Doctor Pandu, when met in the Semanggi area, Jakarta, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Gestational diabetes usually occurs because during pregnancy there is a hormonal change. The body produces more hormones that can make cells less sensitive to insulin, causing insulin resistance.

The chances of an illness also increase with the risk factor that pregnant women have a family history with diabetes, obesity, PCOS, and lack of exercise.

The impact of gestational diabetes can be dangerous for the mother and baby. Mothers can experience preeclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy, premature birth, to an increased risk of type two diabetes in the future.

"Indeed, this gestational diabetes after pregnancy can return to normal blood sugar. But it could be at risk of continuing to be diabetes," he explained.

Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes carry out routine examinations of blood sugar, adopt a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. Blood sugar checks must continue even though they have given birth.

"So if a pregnant woman suffers from gestational diabetes, she must undergo a blood sugar screening examination every three years throughout her life, because she has a high risk of becoming type 2 diabetes at some age after delivery," concluded Doctor Pandu.