A recent study suggests that pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes much earlier than the current practice of testing between 24 and 28 weeks. Gestational diabetes, a condition that develops during pregnancy, affects thousands of women globally and one in seven pregnancies worldwide. It is the most common medical complication during pregnancy and occurs when a hormone produced by the placenta impairs the body's ability to use insulin effectively, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

Without treatment, gestational diabetes will result in a range of complications, including high blood pressure, an increased risk of caesarean sections, mental health conditions and complications for the baby at delivery. Additionally, it leads to long-term health issues for the mother, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In many countries, women at risk of gestational diabetes are generally tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, research conducted by 28 academics from 13 countries indicates that testing and treatment should occur before 14 weeks of pregnancy to prevent complications during and after pregnancy. The researchers reviewed existing literature and found that a significant proportion of women had high blood glucose levels in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. These women experienced worse pregnancy outcomes compared to those whose gestational diabetes was diagnosed later. Early treatment helped mitigate these risks. For example, if a woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 12 weeks rather than at 28 weeks, she has more time to manage her blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and medication if necessary, which significantly reduce the risk of complications. Early diagnosis allows healthcare providers to monitor the pregnancy more closely and take preventative measures to protect both the mother and the baby.

By adopting earlier testing and treatment protocols, healthcare providers enhance the health and well-being of pregnant women and their babies, potentially reducing the incidence of complications associated with this condition. Investing in research to improve treatment and support for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes is crucial to ensuring comprehensive and effective prenatal care. This approach will help in achieving better health outcomes and reducing the long-term health risks for both mothers and their children.