Thirty three-year old Marufa Khatun is working as a journalist at a private television channel. Mother of a five-year-old boy, she has been suffering from a diabetes for the last two years.
After consulting her family doctor, Marufa had conceived again six months ago. But four and a half months after her pregnancy, she experienced miscarriage as her diabetes was not under control.
Konika Mutsuddy, 35, is a housewife. Her husband is a banker. They are blessed with a boy who is now 11years old.
After five years of their first baby’s birth, the couple wanted another baby. After consulting a gynecologist, Konika planned to conceive.
But after three and a half months of her pregnancy, Konika was admitted to a clinic as her condition deteriorated. After several diagnostics tests, the doctor found that Konika was suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.Later, she also experienced miscarriage.
According to a recent survey, a total 20 pregnant women among every 100 are affected by diabetes during their pregnancy.
Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) President Professor AK Azad Chowdhury said around 80 lakh people in Bangladesh are suffering from diabetes.
Besides, 20 pregnant women among every 100 are affected by diabetes during their pregnancy which later turns into Type-2 diabetes.
He said there is a probability, in many cases, that the child of a diabetic woman will also be affected by diabetes.
Chowdhury said “Awareness and planned pregnancy can protect women and their children from the disease.”
BADAS Director General Dr Nazmun Nahar said it is estimated that diabetes will be at the seventh place on the list of causes of death by 2030.
Physical exercise, balanced food, weight control, mental refreshment, quitting smoking and regular body check-up can control and prevent diabetes, she added.
Quoting from a study by the US researchers, Diabetic Samity Laboratory Development Project Director Dr Shuvagata Chowdhury said eating potatoes or chips on most days of the week may increase a woman’s risk of diabetes during their pregnancy.
A diabetic patient may also suffer from many other diseases including heart, kidney and eye problems, he added.
Shuvagata said that in another study conducted, by Canadian researchers, women who have diabetes or high blood pressure during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing both of the conditions and heart disease years later.
He said consciousness and planned pregnancy can protect women from diabetes during their pregnancy.
