A Tragic Loss: The Dangers of Untreated Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant Women

A 32-year-old woman was pregnant and had been diagnosed with high blood sugar at 28 weeks, but did not receive any treatment. By the time she reached 40 weeks, her fetal heart rate had slowed down. When she arrived at the hospital, it was discovered that the fetus was stillborn. This was her fourth pregnancy, with one miscarriage and one child weighing 4 kg as her previous experiences.

The patient’s HbA1C test result upon admission to the hospital showed high blood sugar levels from about 3-4 months ago. She experienced symptoms like excessive thirst and frequent urination, but did not consider it to be serious. Doctors advise that pregnant women with risk factors such as being over 35 years old, having multiple pregnancies or undergoing IVF, a family history of type 2 diabetes, being overweight or obese, or a history of polycystic ovary syndrome or gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy should be screened for gestational diabetes within the first 3 months.

Pregnant women without diabetes at their initial prenatal check-ups are re-checked at 24-28 weeks for any signs of gestational diabetes. If diagnosed, immediate treatment through diet, exercise, monitoring blood sugar levels at home and regular consultations with an endocrinologist are necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

It is crucial that pregnant women understand the importance of managing their health during pregnancy to prevent complications like stillbirth due to high blood sugar levels. The medical community emphasizes that early screening for gestational diabetes can lead to better outcomes for both mother and baby.