Household Air Pollution Can Increase The Risk Of Gestational Diabetes, Finds Study

A new study found that the use of solid fuels like coal, crop residue and wood for cooking and heating can significantly increase the risk of gestational diabetes. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. These are some of the factors that lead to indoor air pollution. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. It occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin which results in increased blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes mellitus can impact the health of both mother and baby as it increases the chances of cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, macrosomia (high birth weight) and other complications. While the exact cause of gestational diabetes is unclear, studies say that it can happen due to several factors such as pre-pregnancy obesity or hormonal fluctuations.

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes also have a long-term risk of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. For the study, the researchers from Zunyi Medical University in China included 4,338 women with a mean age of 27 years. Of these, 302 women had GDM.

The study found that pregnant women using solid fuels for heating had a higher risk of GDM than those using clean energy. The results showed that expecting mothers with GDM had a higher prenatal BMI. They also observed significant differences in physical activity and sleep duration, compared to pregnant women without GDM.

The researchers said, “Our study showed that household solid-fuel usage increases the susceptibility to GDM. This presents a new perspective on the adverse effects of household air pollution on pregnant women.”

The study, however, found leading a healthy lifestyle showed profound differences.

When a healthy lifestyle was included such as proper diet, adequate sleep, normal weight, and the incidence rate of GDM decreased. Higher consumption of vegetables and fruits, and proper vitamin D supplementation also helped reduce the risk of GDM.

The researchers also said, “This suggests that adherence to a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of GDM in pregnant women exposed to household air pollution.”

The study comes as air quality in the national capital has deteriorated to severe and extremely poor levels in the past few days. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s average air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category with a thick smog engulfing the capital. Several areas in Delhi reported ‘severe’ air quality with AQI touching 433 in Anand Vihar.

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