A STUDY ON IMPACT OF DIET ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Background: Good nutrition is an important part of any pregnancy, but it becomes more important if women have GDM. In diabetes the body cannot make or use insulin efciently. Insulin is produced by pancreas and it allows the cells to use sugar in the blood (glucose) for energy. Large amounts of glucose accumulate in blood but the cells do not have enough fuel for their needs. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed to see the effect of diet in achieving glycemic control in women with GDM and also to see the maternal and neonatal outcome in patients of GDM treated with diet modications. Material and Methods: It was a prospective study comprising of patients who had their random blood sugar levels raised above the decided level. The study was carried out in a minimum of 130 established gestational diabetes patients, who were visiting the obstetrics clinic at tertiary care hospital for treatment during the time period of Oct 2020 to March 2021. The purpose and other details of the study was discussed prior with the patients. An oral consent was also taken from all the participating patients, prior inclusion in the study. Results: Out of total 1100 deliveries in hospital during study period, the incidence of GDM was found to be 11.8%. Presence of glycosuria (84.61%) and family history of diabetes (57.6%) were most important risk factors statistically. After implementation of diet chart to all women, glycemia improved in 70 patients out of 130. Rest 60 required insulin for achievement of normoglycemia in addition to diet therapy. In this study 23% delivered vaginally and 77% by LSCS. Diet alone along with moderate Conclusion: activities can cure the true GDM as reected in present study and prescription of insulin ever since diagnosis of diabetes during pregnancy is not the correct approach to treat the disease condition that is what is observed here and suggested by this study