Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes describes diabetes occurring for the first time during pregnancy. It usually occurs in the second half of the pregnancy.In most women, it goes away once the baby is born.Women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of getting diabetes later in life and in a future pregnancy.Women are more at risk of gestational diabetes if they:

  • had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  • have had a baby weighing more than 4.5kg
  • have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
  • had a previous stillbirth with no cause found
  • have a short gap in between their pregnancies

Many women with gestation diabetes are able to manage their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise but some will require medication as tablets or insulin injections.

WHERE TO GET HELP

The first point of contact for screening for diabetes mellitus in Botswana will be the local clinics or private surgeries. In Botswana, there is a clinic within the 5 km radius in towns, cities and villages. Specialized diabetes care can be accessed through our primary and district hospitals around Botswana.There is specialized clinic in children with diabetes and other hormonal disorders at Princess Marina Hospital. 

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