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Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with serious maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Prevalence of GDM in India is on the increasing trend from 2.1% in 1982 to 16.55% in 2002. This study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing the nutritional status, obstetric history, and to elicit the impact of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) on gestational diabetics. Pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic with the gestation age of 26 to 28 weeks in high risk category were screened for GDM. A sample of six diagnosed to have GDM who consented for the intervention of MNT, were purposively selected. Based on the nutritional status MNT was developed individually for each sample. The impact of MNT was assessed by monitoring blood glucose, assessing urine ketones, monitoring modulation of weight and scrutinization of pregnancy outcome. The individualized MNT plan based on BMI and ideal pre- pregnancy weight that was administered to the selected gestational diabetics resulted in euglycemia which in turn imparted positive pregnancy outcome.
About the author
Raji Sugumar (b.1962) is Associate Professor in the Department of Home Science, Bharathidasan Govt. College for Women (affiliated to Pondicherry University),Puducherry, India. Her professional career is spanned over two and half decades. Her academic work includes teaching, research,and extension.
