Latest news with #GDM
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Business Standard
30-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Understanding gestational diabetes: Why early detection, awareness matter
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that develops during pregnancy. In this condition, the body of the pregnant woman becomes less sensitive to insulin made by the pancreas, especially in the second and third trimesters. It causes elevated blood sugar levels, which, if unchecked, can lead to complications for both mother and baby. How common is GDM and what do the latest data show? Survey data from the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai shows developing countries—like India—are seeing sharper rises in diabetes than developed nations. The study analysed the individual data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) surveyed in 2015–2016 (4th round) and 2019–2021 (5th round). The number of diabetic women is projected to reach 313.3 million by 2040 globally. In 2015 alone, around 5 million Indian women had GDM—16.2 per cent of live births, with 85.1 per cent attributed specifically to GDM. Regional studies show varied prevalence: - 17.8 per cent in urban areas - 13.8 per cent in semi-urban areas - 9.9 per cent in rural areas The study highlights the key risk factors as: High BMI High-glycaemic index (GI) food Lack of exercise/physical inactivity Long-term contraceptive use Multimorbidity Hyperthyroidism Why is GDM often missed or diagnosed too late? Despite regional differences, delayed or missed GDM detection remains widespread. Universal screening at 24–28 weeks, and earlier for high-risk women, is essential. Dr Kalyan Kumar Gangopadhyay, Endocrinologist – CMRI, Kolkata told Business Standard: 'One of the studies revealed that GDM cases were missed among 57 per cent of mothers, chiefly because the condition can remain asymptomatic until sugar levels become dangerously high.' Dr Abhinaya Alluri, Senior Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad added: 'In clinical practice, missed or late diagnoses of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are unfortunately not uncommon, especially in resource-limited settings or among women with limited antenatal care access. GDM often presents without obvious symptoms, so without proactive screening, it can go undetected until later stages of pregnancy.' What are the risks of untreated gestational diabetes? The consequences of gestational diabetes can be serious if not diagnosed and managed early. For the mother, GDM increases the risk of: Preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure) Development of type 2 diabetes later in life Caesarean delivery For the baby, late-diagnosed or untreated GDM can lead to: Macrosomia (excessive birth weight), increasing the risk of birth trauma Shoulder dystocia, a delivery complication where the baby's shoulders get stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone Neonatal hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar in new-borns) Higher lifetime risk of obesity and glucose intolerance Can gestational diabetes lead to long-term health problems for the child? Recent research published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, summarised by Business Standard, shows that maternal diabetes—whether gestational or pre-existing—is linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. A globally pooled meta-analysis of 56 million pregnancies in over 200 studies found: 25 per cent higher risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 30 per cent higher risk of ADHD 32 per cent higher risk of intellectual disability 28 per cent higher overall risk of any neurodevelopmental condition How is gestational diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy? Diagnosis of gestational diabetes is typically done through simple, non-invasive blood tests. The most common tests include: Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Conducted between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. The patient drinks a glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are tested at regular intervals. Cost: ₹300–₹800 (private labs), free or subsidised in government hospitals Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) and Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Sometimes used as preliminary screening tools, especially during early pregnancy. Cost: ₹100–₹300 Random Blood Sugar Test and HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin): May also be used in some cases. Cost: ₹500–₹800 What treatment options are available for GDM? Once diagnosed, GDM can usually be managed with lifestyle changes. Treatment includes: Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): A customised diet plan focused on low glycaemic index foods, adequate protein and fibre. Cost: ₹500–₹1,500 per session Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG): Regular glucose checks using home glucometers. Cost: ₹700–₹2,500 Medication: If blood sugar levels are not controlled through diet and exercise alone, doctors may prescribe: Insulin therapy (safe during pregnancy) Occasionally, oral anti-diabetic drugs like metformin (depending on clinical judgement) Cost: ₹1,000–₹3,000 per month Costs vary depending on location (urban vs rural), hospital (private vs public), and the frequency of monitoring or medication needed. Many government maternity clinics offer free GDM screening and management under the national health scheme. How do diet and lifestyle changes support early intervention? Controlling GDM often begins with diet and exercise. Balanced meals, fewer high-GI foods, and regular physical activity—even gentle exercise like prenatal walking—can regulate blood sugar effectively. 'In my practice, as soon as a woman is identified as high-risk, due to BMI, family history, or previous GDM, we begin counselling on balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight gain goals. A structured dietary plan focusing on complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and fibre, along with portion control, can significantly help in maintaining glycaemic control. The key is personalisation—each woman's cultural background, food preferences, and lifestyle need to be considered,' said Dr Alluri. Adding to the discourse, Dr Kumar said, 'Women who are overweight or obese prior to conception are at significantly higher risk, and for that, pre-pregnancy weight management through healthy eating and exercising is highly recommended. I encourage patients to treat GDM as a condition they can manage, supported by structured meal plans and lifestyle coaching as needed.' Why early awareness and public education on GDM are essential The stakes are high: GDM not only affects immediate pregnancy outcomes but can also influence a child's lifelong cognitive and behavioural development. Highlighting the importance of awareness, Dr Alluri said, 'Public health campaigns, community outreach, and integrating GDM education into routine prenatal visits can significantly improve awareness. Social media, mobile health platforms, and maternal health apps also offer powerful channels for dissemination. Collaborations between obstetricians, diabetologists, and public health experts can ensure messaging is consistent and accessible. Ultimately, improving awareness is the first step toward early screening, timely diagnosis, and effective management of GDM.'
Business Upturn
27-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Vilmorin & Cie and KWS to sell North American Joint Venture AgReliant Genetics to GDM
Paris (France), June 27th, 2025 Vilmorin & Cie and KWS to sell North American Joint Venture AgReliant Genetics to GDM Vilmorin & Cie and KWS today announced that they have signed a binding agreement with GDM, a global leader in soybean, to both sell their entire respective 50% stake and exit the AgReliant Genetics ('AgReliant') joint venture. Founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Vilmorin & Cie (Field Seeds Business – 'Limagrain Field Seeds') and KWS, AgReliant has grown to become a leading agricultural company in North America, focused on the research, production, and sale of seeds, primarily corn and soybean. At the time of its creation, the partners joined forces to strengthen their presence in North America. Going forward, AgReliant will continue to pursue its mission of providing innovative seed products, benefiting from GDM's global reach and proven genetic expertise. GDM's cutting-edge assets and deep expertise will further strengthen AgReliant's corn and soy seeds offering for North American farmers. This transaction marks an important milestone for Vilmorin & Cie, enabling to further focus on its strategic priorities and to reinforce its other territories as it continues advancing on its Ambition 2030 roadmap. Vilmorin & Cie through its Field Seeds business – Limagrain Field Seeds will retain the know-how, and all corn genetic materials co-developed with KWS over the last 25 years. This transaction does not impact Vilmorin & Cie's other seeds activities in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Vilmorin & Cie remains committed to its global ambition, with corn as one of our core crops. Its development strategy will continue to rely on a strong global footprint, sustained investment across all innovative breeding tools and methods and robust research partnerships. Collectively, these will support the continuous improvement of field seeds varieties to better serve farmers worldwide. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2025. The total transaction amount for the Vilmorin & Cie shares in AgReliant and related germplasm is in the low three-digit range, in millions of US dollars. Further details remain confidential. After the transaction is finalized, GDM will become the sole owner of AgReliant. ABOUT VILMORIN & CIE The 4 th largest seed company in the world, pure play in its sector, Vilmorin & Cie creates, produces and distributes seeds for vegetable and field seeds with high added value, contributing to meeting global food requirements in a context of accelerating climatic, environmental and demographic challenges. Vilmorin & Cie is a historical expert in plant breeding, with around 6,000 varieties in its portfolio and several hundred new varieties marketed each year. It has become an international leader, offering all forms of agriculture, on all continents, the capacity to produce more and to produce better, while preserving the independence and freedom of choice of farmers and vegetable growers with regard to their other production factors. Vilmorin & Cie relies on research & development for its ongoing growth, and on the controlled internationalization of its business activities, in order to durably strengthen its competitive positions in the long term on structurally buoyant world markets. True to its long-term vision of development, Vilmorin & Cie's strategy and performance are based on respect for the values shared with its shareholder, the agricultural cooperative Limagrain: boldness, progress, perseverance and cooperation. PRESS CONTACTS Image 7 Anne-France Malrieu – +33 (0)6 89 87 61 18 Sergio de la Calle – +33 (0)6 69 58 42 34 [email protected]
India.com
14-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
How To Manage And Reduce The Risk Of Gestational Diabetes?
When a woman who was not previously diabetic develops high blood sugar levels during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, it is known as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). If a woman aged 35 years or older has a history of Diabetes in their first degree relative like parents/siblings, has had Gestational Diabetes in a previous pregnancy, has delivered a large baby before, has Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), or has had multiple pregnancies. Also, certain ethnic groups, such as South Asians, and individuals with a sedentary lifestyle are also more prone to developing Gestational Diabetes during their pregnancy. Dr Farah Ingale, Senior Physician & Diabetologist, Director-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi shares how to manage and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. GDM is mostly caused by hormonal changes happening in pregnancy that causes Insulin Resistance, genetic disposition can also be a cause for GDM. Classic symptoms of GDM include increased thirst, urination, fatiguability, wounds that do not heal, blurred vision, recurrent infections like of the urinary tract. Gestational Diabetes is diagnosed primarily through an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and elevated blood sugar levels. Additional findings may include the presence of ketones in the urine, fetal macrosomia (a larger-than-average baby), or Polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid). GDM has long-term impact and complications that could impact both the foetus and the mother. If diagnosed with GDM. There is a 70 per cent risk of the mother developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and certain metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular issues if GDM is left untreated. Children born to mothers with GDM also run the risk of developing T2DM as they grow older. They can also develop cognitive defects. GDM is also associated with increased risk of kidney disease and cancers. GDM can have a significant psychosocial impact due to the lifestyle and dietary restrictions an individual must follow. It may also lead to immediate and short-term complications for both the mother and the baby. Developing nations have been severely impacted by the growing burden of GDM. To tackle this silent crisis, we need to implement preventative strategies like lifestyle modifications and maintaining a normal weight by eating a healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity. Avoid being sedentary and remain stress free and also go for regular medical check-ups. Consult a doctor who can help make a diet chart for you depending on your body's needs. Consume foods with low Glycaemic Index (GI) as they release sugar into the blood stream slowly and do not lead to a sudden glucose spike. Foods that fall in that category are Quinoa, whole Wheat, Oats, brown Rice, Almonds, Walnuts, Flaxseeds, pulses. Practise portion control and abide by strict meal timings. For pregnant women, with a history of Diabetes or Obesity preconception counselling and testing is very important. Early detection and management can reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. If necessary, insulin is the preferred medication for managing Gestational Diabetes. Maintaining good blood sugar control can significantly reduce or even prevent complications. Postpartum care is also a crucial aspect of overall management. --
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
MDRF and Russia's Almazov Centre Partner for diabetes research
Chennai: The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation ( MDRF ) has signed a research collaboration with the Almazov National Medical Research Centre , based in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The partnership will focus on developing new diagnostics and treatment strategies for diabetes, with an emphasis on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). It will also explore emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and precision medicine in diabetes care. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. V. Mohan of MDRF and Prof. Evgeny Shlyakhto, Director General of the Almazov Centre. The agreement includes training and exchange programs for medical specialists, joint conferences, academic meetings, collaborative publications, and educational and cultural exchanges. Joint research projects on gestational diabetes have begun, involving Dr. Polina V. Popova and her team from Almazov's Endocrinology Department and Dr. Mohan's team at MDRF. The collaboration is expected to expand further in the coming months.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Nearly half of women who developed diabetes during pregnancy have abnormal blood sugar levels years later: KEM study
Mumbai: Nearly half of women with gestational diabetes continue to have abnormal blood sugar levels years after childbirth, according to a new study by Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital. Of the 531 mothers tracked, 48.6% developed diabetes or pre-diabetes over time, challenging the long-held assumption that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) resolves after delivery. Doctors warned that this under-recognised risk demands urgent attention, particularly in India, where diabetes is on the rise and postpartum care remains inconsistent and inadequate. GDM is a form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy due to hormonal interference with insulin. Its incidence is steadily rising among pregnant women, particularly in urban settings. Though GDM often resolves after delivery, it significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. The KEM Hospital study enrolled 531 women who had been newly diagnosed with GDM during their most recent pregnancy. The average age at diagnosis was 30.5 years, ranging between 21 and 43. The average postpartum follow-up period was nearly three years, extending up to eight years in some cases. A significant proportion—48.6%—were found to have abnormal blood glucose levels at follow-up, with 22% developing type 2 diabetes and 26.6% classified as pre-diabetic (impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance). Notably, 45% of the women had been diagnosed with GDM before 24 weeks of gestation, which is considered a higher-risk early-onset group. Additionally, 9.6% had a previous history of GDM, highlighting the recurrence risk. Most participants were either first-time (46.2%) or second-time (43.8%) mothers, suggesting that even early pregnancies can trigger long-term metabolic risks. The data underscores a substantial postpartum burden of dysglycemia, calling for targeted screening and sustained follow-up care in this high-risk group. Doctors at KEM Hospital, which runs the largest diabetes outpatient department under Mumbai's civic body, say they are seeing a consistent rise in GDM cases. 'We used to think gestational diabetes ends after delivery, but that's clearly not true for a large percentage of women. Many of them continue with dysglycemia for years without knowing it,' said Dr Tushar Bandgar, a professor at the hospital's endocrinology department. 'If not detected early, this silent progression can put them at serious risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other complications.' Adding to the concern are social pressures and cultural practices that may worsen women's health after delivery. Many new mothers are either advised or feel compelled to retain weight to ensure sufficient milk supply for breastfeeding. 'There's a belief that women should eat more and avoid any effort to lose weight postpartum. But this retained weight contributes to insulin resistance and increases their risk of developing chronic disease,' added Dr Bandgar. For women like 35-year-old Rani Kumari, a domestic worker from Sion, the lack of guidance has had serious consequences. Diagnosed with GDM during her second pregnancy, she was never told to follow up after childbirth. Two years later, she began feeling persistently tired and dizzy. 'I thought it was just from working too much and looking after my kids,' she said. 'When I finally went to the doctor, they told me I had diabetes. Nobody warned me this could happen.' Rani now spends over ₹1,500 a month on medication and blood sugar tests, a significant financial burden for her family. KEM doctors are calling for routine annual blood sugar testing for all women with a history of GDM, regardless of how much time has passed since childbirth. 'Pre-diabetes is reversible if caught early,' Dr Bandgar said. 'But if we continue to ignore this window, we're allowing thousands of women to slip into a preventable, lifelong disease.' Supporting young warriors: KEM Hospital offers free insulin to children with type 1 diabetes In a first for a civic hospital in Mumbai, the KEM Hospital has begun providing free insulin to around 250 paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes visiting its outpatient department (OPD). The initiative, launched in November 2023, marks the first time a civic-run hospital in the city is offering this life-saving medication free of cost on an OPD basis. These 250 children, who live in and around the hospital area, now receive insulin regularly, bringing significant relief to families that earlier struggled to afford the monthly expense of ₹1,500 for treatment. 'Many of these parents were forced to skip or reduce doses due to cost. This initiative ensures uninterrupted therapy,' said Dr Tushar Bandgar, head of endocrinology. So far, over 400 paediatric type 1 diabetes patients have registered at KEM, with numbers steadily rising. The hospital had previously provided insulin only to admitted patients, but later extended the services to OPD cases after securing the BMC's approval.
