Can something feel perfectly normal—until it isn’t?
For Maya, a 29-year-old first-time mom from Dubai, pregnancy seemed smooth. Regular check-ups. Balanced diet. Moderate exercise. Then came the results from her 24-week blood test. The word "diabetes" wasn't what she expected to hear.
Her journey wasn’t rare—but it was real.
The Unexpected Diagnosis
Maya had no symptoms. No sugar cravings. No weight spikes. Still, her oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed elevated levels. A diagnosis was made: gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Like Maya, many women feel confused. “How could this happen to me?” But GDM isn’t caused by sugar alone.
Placental hormones typically interfere with the body's insulin. This insulin resistance worsens as pregnancy continues. Some women adjust. Others don’t. That’s when blood sugar builds up—quietly.
Who’s at Risk?
No one is completely safe. But the risk is higher if a woman:
● Is over 25 years old
● Has a family history of diabetes
● Is overweight or obese before pregnancy
● Had GDM in a previous pregnancy
● Belongs to certain ethnic groups (South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, Indigenous)
Maya had none of these. Still, GDM found her.
The Tests That Matter
Routine screening is done between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy. The most common method is
the glucose challenge test (GCT). If levels are high, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
follows. Three blood samples. One sugary drink. That’s how GDM hides—and is caught.
The tests aren’t fun. But they matter.
Living With GDM
Maya didn’t need insulin. But she had to change her routine. Frequent home blood sugar
checks. A tighter diet plan. More walking—even on tired days. Her cravings had to wait. So did
the sweetened tea.
“It wasn’t hard, but it wasn’t so easy either,” she said. The good news? With management, GDM
usually fades after delivery.
Still, Maya must stay alert. Women with GDM have a higher chance of developing Type 2
diabetes later. So, the story doesn’t end at birth.
Can It Be Prevented?
Not always. But risks can be reduced. Here’s what doctors recommend:
● Maintain a healthy weight before pregnancy
● Exercise regularly
● Eat a balanced, fiber-rich diet
● Get early prenatal care
● Monitor blood pressure and sugar levels
These aren’t guarantees. But they help.
Don’t Wait!
Gestational diabetes is hardly discussed—until it happens. It doesn’t come with flashing signs.
But when caught early, it can be managed.
Maya’s baby girl was born healthy. And Maya? She’s still watching her sugar. Still walking. Still learning.
Because once you know better, you do better.