It came as a bolt from the blue to thirty-five year old Jharna Dey as she was diagnosed with diabetes during her pregnancy. A mother of twin babies, Jharna conceived again five months ago. After conception, she went to her family doctor for regular check-up as the doctor suggested her to go for some tests. After seeing the reports, the doctor diagnosed Jharna with diabetes.

The doctor suggested her (Jharna) to lead a regular life to avert any unbecoming health complexity. As per the advices of the doctor, she was leading a regular life. After nine and a half months of her pregnancy, the doctor advised her to go for Cesarean delivery as the health condition of Jharna was deteriorating day by day. She was fortunate enough to give birth to a healthy baby girl also escaped sickness.

But, the fate of 37-year old Rozela Binte was not as good as Jharna. She is a housewife and her husband is doing a job at a private company. They have been blessed with a boy who is now nine-year old.

After seven years of their first baby, the couple wanted another baby. After consulting with a gynaecologist, they planned to conceive. But after three and half months of conception, Rozela was admitted to a clinic as her condition deteriorated. After undergoing several medical tests, the doctor found that Rozela was suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. Later, Rozela had a miscarriage.

Diabetes during pregnancy negatively affects the health of women and their babies.

According to a survey, a total of 20 pregnant women among every 100 are affected by diabetes during their pregnancy.

Bangladesh Diabetic Samity President Professor AK Azad Khan said around 80 lakh people in Bangladesh are suffering from diabetes. Besides, 20 pregnant women among every 100 are affected by diabetes during their pregnancy which later turns into type-2 diabetes.

He said there is a probability, in many cases, that the child of a diabetic woman will be affected also by diabetes.

Khan said “Awareness and planned pregnancy can protect the women and their children from the disease.”

Besides, a new research, conducted by European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), shows that preterm birth is linked to increased rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and young adults, with particular effects stronger in females.

People who have been born preterm may need more intensive monitoring and prevention efforts to lower their risk of diabetes, it added.

AK Azad Khan said adulterated and unhygienic foods are causing various health complexities and that must be addressed. “Leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle can help reduce diabetes, There is no alternative to avoiding such bad habits for staying healthy. Diabetes has become a global epidemic. But it can be prevented through a disciplined lifestyle,” he added.

BADAS Director General Dr Nazmun Nahar said it is estimated that diabetes will be at the seventh place on the list of causes of death by 2030.

Physical exercise, balanced food, weight control, mental refreshment, quitting smoking, regular medics and regular body check-up can control and prevent diabetes, she added.

Quoting from a study by the US researchers, Diabetic Samity Laboratory Development Project Director Dr Shuvagata Chowdhury said eating potatoes or chips on most days of the week may increase a woman’s risk of diabetes during their pregnancy.

A diabetic patient may also suffer from many other diseases, including heart, kidney and eye problems, he added.

Managing diabetes can help any mother to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Doctors advise pregnant women to see their physicians, monitor their blood sugar levels, follow healthy eating plan and remain physically active.