Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — About 70 percent of women in Saudi Arabia have not heard about gestational diabetes, according to a recent survey conducted by King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

King Abdulaziz University Medical College Diabetes and Endocrine

Dr. Abdulmueen Al-Agha, consultant in endocrinology and diabetes at KAU Medical College Hospital, said the university organized an awareness campaign that visited 29 cities in the Kingdom.

“The campaigns were held at the pediatrics sections of various hospitals to target mothers. A total of 1,000 women were asked about gestational diabetes and 70 percent of them had no prior knowledge of the condition,” said Al-Agha.

He said gestational diabetes affects 4 percent of pregnant women.

“Doctors are usually able to diagnose a woman with the disease in her fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. In most cases, the level of blood sugar goes back to normal after childbirth,” said Al-Agha.

He said the most common cause of gestational diabetes is the hormonal changes women go through, rendering them incapable of ingesting glucose properly.

“If the woman does not seek appropriate medical attention the condition may prolong after pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can also affect the fetus. Women with the condition must visit the doctor regularly to ensure that their hormone levels are balanced and must maintain a healthy and nutritional diet as well as a regular exercise schedule,” said Al-Agha.