Possible Early Screening Tool for Gestational Diabetes

A pregnant woman’s large waistline (larger than normal each specific stage in the pregnancy) and high triglyceride levels could be a key indicator that gestational diabetes is not far off from developing.

What Dr. Diane Brisson Discovered

“We found that the simultaneous presence of abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia in the first trimester is associated with a significantly increased risk of glucose intolerance later in pregnancy.”

If a woman has a large amount of fat accumulated in the abdominal area before she becomes pregnant this could put her at a higher risk gestational diabetes.

Prevention

Before a woman becomes pregnant, there are a few things she can do to try to prevent gestational diabetes. First, if she is over weight losing the excess weight especially in the abdomen will be beneficial. She should also have her triglyceride levels drawn (simple blood test) and if they are found to high lower them before conceiving.

There is no guarantee that a woman will not develop gestational diabetes. Doctors have many theories as to why gestational diabetes develops but they cannot pinpoint the exact reason. Most healthy women do not develop gestational diabetes but unfortunately, some do and before becoming pregnant, a woman should get her body in the best shape possible. A healthy body will not only help in preventing gestational diabetes but it can also make the pregnancy more comfortable and enjoyable.