It has been declared that Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a serious threat to maternal and child health which if not urgently handled will cause more deaths in the process of childbirth thereby militating against reproductive health in the country.
The declaration was made by the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) through its Katsina state chapter Secretary, Hussaini Usman during a free screening on diabetes organised by the Association in collaboration with Roche Diabetes to pregnant mothers in the state held at General Hospital, Ingawa as contained in a statement by Najeeb Sani, National PRO of the Association, copies made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.
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According to him, gestational diabetes Mellitus is a severe neglected threat to maternal and child health pointing out that many women with it experience pregnancy-related complications including high blood pressure, large birth weight babies, and obstructed labour.
” There were an estimated 204 million women, 20-79 years living with diabetes worldwide. This number is projected to increase to 308 million by 2045 if care is not taken”, he said.
Also speaking, the vice-chairman, North West of the association, Hajiya Aisha Indo Lawan explained that 150 pregnant mothers were screened on diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity during the exercise saying the activity was part of the celebration of the 2019 diabetes day.
She added that “Some pregnant mothers were found to have diabetes and or high blood pressure unknowingly. Apart from free screening, the association distributed free drugs and delivery kits to mothers. I call on federal, state governments and NGOs to partner with the association to support diabetes community”.
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