Women with gestational diabetes needed

The views of women who have had or currently have diabetes during pregnancy are being sought in a bid to prevent the condition.

Discussion groups will be held in Leicester to create an education programme aimed at helping women avoid gestational diabetes, a mostly temporary condition, or from receiving a type 2 diagnosis in the future.

The two-hour meetings will be held at the Leicester Diabetes Centre at the Leicester General Hospital on Tuesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 28.

They are being hosted by NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) East Midlands, an organisation which turns research into cost-saving and high-quality care through cutting-edge innovation.

‘Serious health issue’

Women who are diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy have a 30 per cent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and their children are six times more likely to develop the condition. But it can be stopped through education.

About five per cent of pregnant women in the UK are diagnosed with gestational diabetes every year. Last year it was reported that children born to women with gestational diabetes are six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Carol Liptrot, a midwifery research associate at the organisation, said: “We know that gestational diabetes is a serious health issue that can cause birth defects, stillbirth and complications for the mother. We want to help women understand that the condition can leave a frightening legacy.

“We want to hear from women who have had the condition to understand what their concerns are and how we can help get the message across that taking care of their health is very important.

“It is also important that women with gestational diabetes get the care and support they need, as this will help them manage their condition better, giving their baby a better chance of a long and healthy life.”

In most cases gestational diabetes occurs during the second or third trimester because the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs of pregnancy.