Age falling for diabetes sufferers

An unfortunate consequence of the spread of diabetes throughout the globe is its current complexity. All forms of diabetes are becoming more widespread, and in the case of very young children affected by mothers with gestational diabetes the situation is no different.
Diabetes is now having an effect on babies still in the womb, as an estimated 10 per cent of unborn babies whose mothers develop gestational diabetes develop diabetes themselves. Doctors are demanding immediate action to reduce these risks.
One doctor involved in the situation apparently said: “These babies can go up to, even over, six kilos and unfortunately I’ve certainly seen some above six kilos and some of those did not have the best outcomes.”
Gestational diabetes puts the child at risk, and as well as being responsible for the development of diabetes can also lead to stillbirth, nerve damage, hypoglycaemia and broken bones. Doctors from the National Women’s Hospital report that numbers in the 21st century have easily doubled.
Gestational diabetes is often preventable and can be picked up through normal maternal blood test screening. Unfortunately this is not a routine check, and many cases go undiagnosed until later stages.