Getting Started with Nabta Health; Your 101 Guide to Skin and Hair
Iman Saad • August 31, 2022 • 5 min read
Know your skin
Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. It makes up about 16% of your overall body mass and is about 2 mm thick.
It’s also a complex organ. It plays vital roles in protecting your internal organs and is a physical, airtight, watertight barrier between the outside world. And it literally holds everything in. Your skin synthesises vitamin D for strong bones and healthy organs. It sweats out waste products. And it regulates body temperature.
Our skin is divided into three layers:
Epidermis
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin and is half a millimetre thick. It is also our first line of defence against bacteria and infections. Made up of keratinocytes (skin cells) and Langerhans cells (immune system ‘guard dogs’), the epidermis stops moisture, pathogens, and chemicals from entering or leaving the body.
The bottom layer of the epidermis produces melanin which gives your skin its natural colour and protects us from UV (ultraviolet) rays.
Hair follicles, sweat glands and sebaceous (oil) glands extend between the dermis layer below and the skin’s surface. Sweat and sebum (oil) act as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory barriers on the skin.
The epidermis is constantly renewing and regenerating. This process slows down as you get older so keeping your skin clean and exfoliated avoids your complexion looking dull and lifeless.
Dermis
The dermis is a thicker layer of connective tissue behind the epidermis. It holds blood vessels, nerves and receptors for a sense of touch. The dermis contains two proteins: fibrous collagen, a structural protein responsible for skin’s fullness and strength; and ‘elastic’ elastin which gives skin resilience and flexibility.
Hair follicles, oil glands, and the start of pores, push hair, sweat, and oil from the dermis to the skin’s surface.
When we are young the dermis is full of elastin and collagen. As we age, those proteins break down faster than our cells can replace them, leading to dry skin and wrinkles.
Subcutaneous tissue
Also known as hypodermis or subcutis, the deepest layer of skin is mostly fat and connective tissue. Subcutaneous tissue protects muscles, bones, blood vessels and internal organs. And it insulates and regulates the body’s temperature.
Our subcutaneous tissue thins as we age. Skin looks less smooth and starts to sag, underlying veins show through.
How to take care of your skin
Simple, practical skincare tips (that cost nothing) to support your skin’s long-term health:
- Get enough sleep. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason.
- Don’t smoke. Or vape. It leaches the oxygen out of your face and triggers the destruction of collagen and elastin. And try to avoid being around cigarette smoke.
- Limit alcohol intake. And cut back on refined sugars. Sugar destroys collagen.
- Eat well. Gut health is linked to healthy skin function. Eat antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables, particularly foods high in vitamin C (kiwi fruit, oranges, strawberries), vitamin E (avocados, spinach), beta carotene (carrots, sweet potatoes).
- Drink lots of water. Hydration is important for your skin to perform at its best.
- Limit sun exposure. Wear a high SPF daily. Get a little vitamin D from the sun, not a lot.
- Do regular skin checks for skin cancer.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. Fluctuating weight can result in loose skin due to collagen and elastin loss.
- Have a skincare routine. Cleanse and moisturise your skin every morning and night. Use good quality skincare and always apply SPF.
How do hormones affect your skin?
Hormones are a major skin disruptor:
– Skin changes at puberty: Hormone surges, particularly increased androgen levels, stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Excess sebum can lead to oily skin, enlarged pores, spots, blackheads and acne. Diets high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) and milk, may worsen acne. Puberty is the ideal time to start a regular skincare routine, including light exfoliation.
– Menstrual cycle skin changes: Fluctuating hormones trigger different skincare needs during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Skin tends to be dry and dull with more visible fine lines at the start of the cycle when estrogen and progesterone levels are low. Towards the middle of the cycle rising estrogen and testosterone means a burst of moisture and collagen production, and a healthy glow. And after ovulation, the increase in progesterone leads to oilier skin. As you learn how your skin responds to each stage in your cycle you may wish to adapt your skincare and diet to manage the effect of hormonal fluctuations.
– Skin changes during pregnancy: The surge of hormones in pregnancy can make skin redder and puffier. Melasma, stretchmarks and breakouts are common. Wear a daily SPF. Try lighter, fragrance-free skincare products. Avoid stronger skincare products and vitamin A (retinol). And support body skin elasticity with moisturising oils.
– Skin changes in perimenopause and menopause: The decline in estrogen levels has a profound effect on a woman’s skin during perimenopause. Loss in hydration and decreased sebum production means an increase in fine lines, wrinkles, and itchy irritated skin. In postmenopausal women collagen declines rapidly, taking with it the skin’s volume and resilience, and skin becomes prone to deeper wrinkles and sagging. HRT rebalances hormone levels and with them some of the skin changes linked with perimenopause and menopause.
Skin conditions and disorders
As the body’s external protection system, your skin is at also risk for various problems and health issues:
- Bites: mosquitos, ticks, spiders
- Skin allergies: contact dermatitis and rashes from plants
- Skin cancers: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma
- Skin rashes: hives, shingles, and dry, itchy skin
- Skin disorders: acne, eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, rosacea, and vitiligo
- Skin lesions: freckles, moles, skin tags, age or liver spots
- Wounds: cuts, blisters, burns, sunburns, and scars
- Skin infections: fungal, bacterial, viral, parasitic
When to see a doctor or dermatologist
A dermatologist specialises in skin, hair, nails. See a medical dermatologist when your skin symptoms are persistent: stubborn acne; an ongoing skin disorder such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea; itchy hives or rashes that won’t go away; an unusual skin lesion; and regular screenings for skin cancer.
Know your hair
Hair has a physical and social function. Throughout the ages hair has had cultural and religious significance. It is associated with social and professional status, beauty and self-expression in both women and men. Hair also has an essential physiological role in protecting our bodies from external factors.
What is hair made of?
Hair is made of keratin, a fibrous ‘building block’ protein that supports the health and structure of hair, skin, and fingernails.
A hair follicle is like a long cylinder plant pot holding the hair root and strand. Hair follicles live in the top two layers of skin (epidermis and dermis), and you are born with millions of hair follicles all over your body. They can’t be pulled out, but they can be damaged, leading to hair loss or reduced hair growth.
How does hair grow?
Hair growth occurs in cycles consisting of three phases:
-
Anagen: This is the growth or active phase when most new hair is formed. It lasts 3-5 years on average, with hair growing at around six inches in a year, more in summer than winter. Each hair spends several years in this phase.
-
Catagen: This is the second phase of growth, or transitional phase. Your hair separates from the blood supply and over a few weeks hair growth slows and the hair follicle shrinks.
-
Telogen: During the inactive or resting phase hair growth stops and your hair follicle gradually sheds the old hair. This process can take several months.
The cycle begins again, with the growth phase and a new hair pushing up through the follicle.
Hair shedding is part of a natural balance. On average women shed 50 to 100 hairs every day. New hair replaces it at the same time. Your scalp hair can last on your head for up to six years. Shorter, lighter hairs (eyelashes, eyebrows, body hair) fall out each month.
What affects hair health?
Hair health is affected by:
- Harsh hairstyling, heat styling and chemicals
- Nutritional deficiency
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Toxic substances: Including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and some medications and supplements
- Extreme physical or emotional stress
Which hair conditions cause hair loss?
Hair loss can be caused by medical conditions, hormonal fluctuations, and genetics:
- Thyroid conditions: Prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
- Autoimmune conditions: Alopecia areata and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Androgenic alopecia: Excess male hormones or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
- Trichotillomania: The irresistible urge to pull out your own hair.
- Hormonal changes: Cause hair follicles to shrink and hair to thin. Common in the months following childbirth, during menopause.
- Infection: Fungal or bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the hair follicles, hair shaft or scalp. Examples include folliculitis and piedra (trichomycosis nodularis), and ringworm (tinea capitis).
- Inflammation: Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) is a scalp irritation causing itchy, scaly skin.
- Genes and hereditary hair loss: Female and male pattern baldness.
Habits for healthy hair
You can keep your hair follicles (and therefore your hair) healthy by taking care of your hair and skin:
-
Eat well. Maintain a nutritionally balanced diet, eat foods rich in protein and vitamins C and E.
-
Avoid restrictive or rapid weight loss diets.
-
Avoid pulling on your hair, tight hairstyles and harsh chemicals.
-
Reduce stress, sleep more.
-
Hydrate! Drink lots of water.
-
Wear a hat in the sun. UV rays affect your scalp too.
-
Check the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner. Aim for natural ingredients, if possible.
When to see a dermatologist or trichologist
Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about hair loss or thinning. They’ll ask about your medical history and may examine you for any underlying health conditions. Your doctor may also refer you to a dermatologist or trichologist, hair and scalp specialists who can recommend you on potential solutions and treatment options.
Getting started with Nabta Health
Nabta Health understands the importance of having access to the right hair and skincare advice and products.
Our clinical experts have carefully selected hair and skin resources and information to support you, whatever your hair and skincare goals are. Whether you are going through puberty, nursing your newborn, managing PCOS, undergoing treatment for cancer, in search of a perimenopause skin ‘pick-me-up’, or looking for a conscious skincare serum, Nabta’s marketplace is your hair and skin go-to.
Sources
https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/hair-guide/hair-science/hair-growth-cycle.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23435-hair-follicle
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-hair
Download the Nabta App
Related Articles
What is Diabulimia?
Diabulimia, cited as the ‘world’s most dangerous eating disorder’, is a condition where people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) deliberately and regularly ration their use of insulin in [order to lose weight](https://nabtahealth.com/im-struggling-to-lose-weight/). Challenging to both diagnose and treat, many people with the condition keep their eating habits secret. Optimal management necessitates different specialists joining forces to combat both the medical and psychological aspects of the condition. **Type 1 Diabetes** ------------------- T1DM is a chronic, lifetime condition, for which there is no cure. Worldwide, 5-10% of people with diabetes will have this form of the condition. Unlike [type 2 diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/product/type-2-diabetes-starter-pack-copy/), T1DM has nothing to do with eating unhealthily or living a sedentary lifestyle. It happens when the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, preventing them from producing insulin. Without insulin, the glucose that is taken in through the diet, cannot be converted into energy and, instead, accumulates in the bloodstream. This can be very dangerous as the body enters starvation mode and starts to break down muscle and fat, releasing ketones, which rapidly build up, increasing the [risk of diabetic ketoacidosis](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/a-guide-to-type-1-diabetes/), which can be fatal. Receiving a diagnosis of T1DM can be daunting; it is a condition that requires daily monitoring and continual insulin therapy. It is also an early onset condition, meaning that patients are often diagnosed during childhood or early adolescence. Facing up to a lifetime of medical intervention at such a young age can certainly be emotionally challenging and typically comes at a time when body awareness is naturally heightened by [puberty](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/puberty/). **Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder** ----------------------------------------- Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by periods of binging on food and then purging to prevent weight gain. The most frequently observed purging behaviours are self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics and excessive exercise. People with T1DM have a unique purging behaviour available to them, the deliberate misuse or avoidance of insulin. [Diabetics need insulin](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/taking-diabetes-medication-during-pregnancy-is-it-safe/) to survive, so by withholding it in an attempt to control their weight, people with the condition are actually putting their lives at risk. **Why are people with T1DM at increased risk of developing an eating disorder?** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unfortunately people with T1DM are at increased risk of developing an eating disorder, and this can be due to both physical and emotional factors. For a start, people with the condition have a disrupted metabolic system, meaning they do not break down food in the normal way. They also spend a disproportionate amount of time dissecting food labels and recipe content, analysing numbers and having to take control of their diet. Control, and the fear of losing it, is a major factor in the development of an eating disorder. A further issue comes from the fact that, prior to diagnosis, many people with [T1DM](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/exercise-and-diabetes/) have lost a significant amount of weight. Insulin therapy can cause weight gain, which can negatively impact a person’s self esteem and body confidence. In fact, insulin therapy and weight gain can form a vicious cycle, with insulin-induced weight gain necessitating a higher [dose of insulin](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-insulin-resistance/). This increased insulin leads to increased hunger and dietary intake, which, naturally, increases weight further and thus, the cycle continues. At a time when a person may already be feeling emotional, anxious and out of control, this unwanted weight gain might come at a critical time. Diabetic burnout can also increase the [risk of developing an eating disorder](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/how-eating-disorders-can-affect-your-pregnancy/), as patients become increasingly frustrated, start disregarding their blood glucose levels and look for ways to escape the confinements of their condition. **How big a problem is it?** ---------------------------- Whilst diabulimia is not currently a medically recognised term, it does represent a growing problem and the condition was included in the UK’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence ([NICE](https://www.nice.com/)) 2017 [guidelines for eating disorders](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/how-eating-disorders-can-affect-your-pregnancy/). The extent of the problem is highlighted by the fact that up to 40% of women with T1DM, who are between 15 and 30 years of age, regularly omit insulin for weight control. These women are also at increased risk of adopting other purging behavious to control their weight and overcome body dissatisfaction, including restricting their food intake, misusing laxatives and over-exercising. It is estimated that in their lifetime: * 0.5 – 3.7% women will experience anorexia nervosa. * 1.1 – 4.2% women will exhibit symptoms of bulimia. * 11% women with T1DM will develop an eating disorder. These figures represent a significant, worldwide health issue, that urgently requires research, funding and support. A major issue comes from understanding how best to treat the condition. For many eating disorders, a key part of the therapy involves removing the focus a patient has on food. Those patients with T1DM cannot do this; in order to stay healthy and avoid serious diabetes complications (visual disturbances, increased infection risk, neuropathies, kidney damage and amputations, to name just a few), patients must carefully monitor and regulate their food intake. Treatment of diabulimia requires a multidisciplinary team, comprising diabetes specialists and psychiatrists to manage both elements of the condition. For further information on this and other mental health conditions, [Choosing Therapy](https://www.choosingtherapy.com/diabulimia/) is a very useful resource. Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). Get in [touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#067f676a6a674668676472676e63676a726e2865696b) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you. **Sources:** * “Diabetes Burnout.” _Diabetes.co.uk_, [www.diabetes.co.uk/emotions/diabetes-burnout.html](http://www.diabetes.co.uk/emotions/diabetes-burnout.html). * “Diabulimia.” _National Eating Disorders Association_, [www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/diabulimia-5](http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/diabulimia-5). * Evry, N. “Diabulimia: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments.” _Choosing Therapy_, 20 Nov. 2020, [www.choosingtherapy.com/diabulimia/](http://www.choosingtherapy.com/diabulimia/). * Torjesen, I. “Diabulimia: the World’s Most Dangerous Eating Disorder.” _BMJ_, vol. 364, 1 Mar. 2019, doi:10.1136/bmj.l982. * “What Is Type 1 Diabetes?” _Diabetes UK_, [www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes](http://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/what-is-type-1-diabetes).
I Have Gestational Diabetes: What are the Risks to my Unborn Baby?
The greatest risk for a baby that is exposed to [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus affect the newborn (GDM) in utero is [**large birth weight**](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/how-your-weight-can-affect-your-pregnancy/), which is known medically as [](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-macrosomia/symptoms-causes)[macrosomia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/macrosomia/). #### [Macrosomia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/macrosomia/) This refers to babies who weigh over 4 KG or are above the 90th centile. Quite apart from the [difficulties for the mother](../i-have-gestational-diabetes-what-are-the-risks-to-me) in delivering such a large baby, [macrosomia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/macrosomia/) can have serious health consequences for the neonate, including an increased risk of [**birth injury**](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/5-types-of-vaginal-tears-from-giving-birth-and-what-they-mean/) and, fortunately only in exceptional cases, early [neonatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neonatal/) death. #### Other risks There is a slightly increased risk of **[foetal malformations](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/foetal-malformations/)**. However, this is thought to be primarily due to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, rather than GDM itself. GDM-induced malformations occur when the condition has been diagnosed early on in pregnancy. Most women are not diagnosed until after 24 weeks and thus, the risk of their babies developing malformations is negligible. GDM does increase the likelihood of interventional approaches such as [induced labour](../https://nabtahealth.com/induction-of-labour/) and [C-section](https://nabtahealth.com/is-caesarean-considered-a-better-choice/), each of which has its own complications. Furthermore, if these intervention techniques are implemented before 37 weeks, the birth will be classed as [**premature**](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/anemia-in-premature-infants/) and the baby may require further monitoring and additional care. Whilst studies are yet to find a direct link between maternal GDM and infant respiratory distress, babies that are more than 4 KG at birth have an increased risk of **respiratory distress**. A major problem in managing this situation is that premature birth and [C-section](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-performing-a-c-section-better-than-inducing-labour/) delivery are additional risk factors for respiratory distress. Therefore, even if you take steps to avoid [macrosomia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/macrosomia/) and its associated issues, your baby might still need additional medical support at birth. #### Later health problems In addition to the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery, having untreated GDM can predispose your child to **health problems later in life**. These include impaired glucose tolerance, high blood pressure and obesity, which in combination increase the chances of them developing type 2 diabetes themselves. GDM is not the only risk factor for these conditions; genetics and lifestyle exposure almost certainly play an important role too. [Breastfeeding](https://nabtahealth.com/benefits-of-breastfeeding/) is one way of counteracting some of these negative effects, as it has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and lower the risk of childhood obesity. It has also been suggested that GDM in the mother can increase the likelihood of the child having **attention deficiencies and delayed language** as they reach middle childhood, around the age of 7. The offspring of less educated women are more affected, suggesting a concurrent environmental or genetic element. Recent studies have revealed that babies born to mothers with [GDM](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/i-have-gestational-diabetes-what-are-the-risks-to-me/) have different bacteria present in their gut. This is known as an **altered [microbiome](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/microbiome/) profile**. It is thought that the presence of specific bacteria in the gut of a neonate helps with the maturation of their immune system. Thus, a disruption in this [homeostasis](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/homeostasis/) can have long term effects on the child’s ability to overcome infections and put them at increased risk of [metabolic disease](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/metabolic-disease/) later in life. Most of these adverse effects can be significantly reduced by successful management of the mother’s GDM; further highlighting the importance of [identifying](../how-is-gestational-diabetes-diagnosed) and treating the condition as soon as possible. Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). Get in [touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9ee7fff2f2ffdef0fffceafff6fbfff2eaf6b0fdf1f3) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you. **Sources:** * Bener, A, et al. “Prevalence of [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) and Associated Maternal and [Neonatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neonatal/) Complications in a Fast-Developing Community: Global Comparisons.” _International Journal of Women’s Health_, vol. 3, 2011, pp. 367–373., doi:10.2147/IJWH.S26094. * Dionne, G, et al. “[Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Hinders Language Development in Offspring.” _Pediatrics_, vol. 122, no. 5, Nov. 2008, pp. e1073–1079., doi:10.1542/peds.2007-3028. * Groof, Z, et al. “Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Fetomaternal Outcomes of [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study.” _Journal of Diabetes Research_, vol. 2019, no. 9136250, 3 Mar. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/9136250. * Mitanchez, D. “Foetal and [Neonatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neonatal/) Complications in [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/): [Perinatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/perinatal/) Mortality, Congenital Malformations, [Macrosomia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/macrosomia/), Shoulder Dystocia, Birth Injuries, [Neonatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neonatal/) Complications.” _Diabetes & [Metabolism](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/metabolism/)_, vol. 36, no. 6, ser. 2, Dec. 2010, pp. 617–627. 2, doi:10.1016/j.diabet.2010.11.013. * Mitanchez, D, et al. “Infants Born to Mothers with [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus: Mild [Neonatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neonatal/) Effects, a Long-Term Threat to Global Health.” _The Journal of Pediatrics_, vol. 164, no. 3, Mar. 2014, pp. 445–450., doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.10.076. * Su, M, et al. “Diversified Gut Microbiota in Newborns of Mothers with [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus.” _PloS One_, vol. 13, no. 10, 17 Oct. 2018, p. e0205695., doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0205695.
I Have Gestational Diabetes: What are the Risks to me?
The risk factors for [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus (GDM) occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin and blood sugar levels get too high during [pregnancy](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/complications-during-pregnancy-polyhydramnios/). It most commonly occurs in the second and third trimester. Prevalence varies around the world, but with [obesity](https://nabtahealth.com/what-is-body-mass-index-bmi/) considered a major risk factor, and the number of obese females increasing, GDM is becoming a significant health issue of the 21st Century. Having [GDM](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/i-have-gestational-diabetes-what-are-the-risks-to-my-unborn-baby/) does increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby. However, the risks from GDM can be reduced if it is detected early and managed well. This article looks at what impact GDM has on the mother’s health; to see the risks to her offspring click [here](../i-have-gestational-diabetes-what-are-the-risks-to-my-unborn-baby). #### Pregnancy complications Women who are diagnosed with GDM are at increased risk of [pregnancy complications](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/complications-during-pregnancy-polyhydramnios/) including [](https://nabtahealth.com/complications-during-pregnancy-polyhydramnios/)[polyhydramnios](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/polyhydramnios/), which occurs when there is an excess of [amniotic fluid](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/amniotic-fluid/). They are also at increased risk of developing [hypertension](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/hypertension/) (high blood pressure) and [](../what-is-preeclampsia)[preeclampsia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/preeclampsia/). [Preeclampsia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/preeclampsia/) is a life-threatening condition that requires close medical monitoring. In severe cases it can [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) to maternal seizures and will often result in premature delivery. #### Delivery In terms of delivery, women with GDM are more likely to experience [premature labour](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/premature-labour/). In some cases this is spontaneous, but, in many cases, rapid growth of the baby in utero necessitates medical intervention. Babies born to mothers with GDM are frequently above the 90th percentile and if allowed to go to [full term](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/full-term/) can weigh more than 4.5 KG at birth. Delivering such a large baby puts the mother at increased risk of complications and, therefore, [induced delivery](https://nabtahealth.com/induction-of-labour/) and planned [C-sections](https://nabtahealth.com/is-caesarean-considered-a-better-choice/) are common following a GDM diagnosis. The mother also has an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which can be very dangerous if not attended to rapidly. #### Long-term health impact GDM can also have longer-term effects on the mother’s health. Women who are diagnosed with GDM are over 7 times more likely to develop [type 2 diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/product/type-2-diabetes-starter-pack-copy/); most often in the first 5 years post-childbirth. Some women actually find that the GDM that is diagnosed during pregnancy persists after delivery and is reclassified as type 2 diabetes. The risk of a woman developing GDM during a subsequent pregnancy is approximately 48%, but can be significantly higher if she falls into a [high risk group](../risk-factors-for-gestational-diabetes). Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). Get in [touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c6bfa7aaaaa786a8a7a4b2a7aea3a7aab2aee8a5a9ab) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you. **Sources:** * Bellamy, L, et al. “Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/): a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” _The Lancet_, vol. 373, no. 9677, 23 May 2009, pp. 1773–1779., doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60731-5. * Bener, A, et al. “Prevalence of [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) and Associated Maternal and [Neonatal](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neonatal/) Complications in a Fast-Developing Community: Global Comparisons.” _International Journal of Women’s Health_, vol. 3, 2011, pp. 367–373., doi:10.2147/IJWH.S26094. * “[Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) (Overview).” _NHS_, [www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/](http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/). * Groof, Z, et al. “Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Fetomaternal Outcomes of [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study.” _Journal of Diabetes Research_, vol. 2019, no. 9136250, 3 Mar. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/9136250. * Schwartz, N, et al. “The Prevalence of [Gestational Diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/) Mellitus Recurrence–Effect of Ethnicity and Parity: a Metaanalysis.” _American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology_, vol. 213, no. 3, Sept. 2015, pp. 310–317., doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.03.011.