Life

New test for diabetes that develops during pregnancy

Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs in pregnancy
Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs in pregnancy Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the extra needs in pregnancy

A NEW test can identify those at risk of gestational diabetes, which affects 35,000 women in the UK each year.

Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed a blood test for chemicals present in the placenta that give an early indication of the disease.

Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman’s body cannot produce enough insulin (a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels) to meet the extra needs in pregnancy. It can cause complications for both mother and baby, including a raised risk of premature birth and stillbirth.

These risks could be reduced if the disease was detected early. There is currently no early test, but the Oxford researchers are looking to develop their technology further.

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