Blood sugar key to pregnancy

This risk is evident whether or not the woman has gestational diabetes, the Associated Press reports. The risks to the baby include the possibility of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity as the child grows.

The study, described by Northwestern university scientists as the largest ever done on the subject, was presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association's scientific session in Chicago. The conclusion was a confirmation of earlier research: the higher the level of blood sugar a pregnant woman has, the greater the health risk to her baby.

The study was conducted in nine counties and involved more than 23 000 pregnant women, AP reports. Another finding indicated an association between Caesarean sections, big babies and high blood sugar levels in their mothers, the wire service says.

The study indicated that pregnant women should maintain strictly controlled diets and/or medication to reduce their blood sugar. – (HealthDayNews)

June 2007