This World Health Day, which highlights the health of mothers and newborns, experts are raising concerns about the increasing cases of gestational diabetes in Telangana. One in six pregnant women in the state, and nationwide, are affected by diabetes during pregnancy. This year’s World Health Day theme is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
Though gestational diabetes is often thought to resolve after childbirth, it can still pose risks to both mothers and babies. Dr. Rakesh Sahay, superintendent of Osmania Hospital, emphasized that some high-risk women may continue to experience diabetes post-pregnancy, urging vigilance regarding lifestyle and diet.
While women with a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, factors such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles also increase risk. Babies of affected mothers may face low blood sugar levels.
In Telangana, the rate of post-delivery complications is 26%, according to maternal morbidity clinics launched last year. These clinics aim to provide ongoing care beyond the typical 42-day follow-up period. Health Commissioner RV Karnan stated that over 400,000 women have been evaluated, with 14% experiencing complications beyond the 42-day mark. Conditions such as stress, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affect many new mothers, impairing their ability to care for their babies.
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