Expert warns of diabetes risk during pregnancy

AN expert today warned of the "forgotten" condition of diabetes among pregnant women.

Professor Nadir Farid said mothers-to-be were at risk of high blood pressure and excessive growth in babies.

This is because the NHS does not routinely carry out glucose checks to test for diabetes.

The hormone expert said: "Diabetes in pregnancy is a forgotten condition. The focus has all been on type-2 diabetes which is linked to lifestyle factors.

"It's important that gestational diabetes be diagnosed at an appropriate time so that proactive intervention can be carried out."

Author and broadcaster Ruth Cowen had diabetes during both her pregnancies.

Doctors gave her insulin when expecting second child Louis, now 18 months, but this did little to help. In the end, the mother-of-two from Finsbury Park gave birth safely after receiving hormone treatment from Professor Farid.

Ms Cowen, 40, speaking today on World Diabetes Day, said: "I'd urge all expectant women to get tested as early as possible."

Gestational diabetes occurs in about five per cent of pregnancies.