Diabetic and Hypertension can Cause Birth Defect

Diabetic and Hypertension: Hypertensive and diabetic expectant mothers are strongly urged to adhere strictly to the instructions provided by their healthcare providers, as these two conditions, if left uncontrolled, can lead to birth defects in newborns.

Mrs. Cecilia Ankomah, a Principal Nursing Officer overseeing the Wellness Clinic at the Ashaiman Polyclinic, emphasized the importance of managing maternal hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy to prevent adverse effects on fetal development.

According to Mrs. Ankomah, uncontrolled maternal hypertension and diabetes pose significant risks such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, pre-term birth, and macrosomia (large birth weight), which can result in complications for both the mother and the baby. Proper antenatal care, she stressed, is essential for monitoring blood pressure and managing these risks effectively.

Recent statistics reveal alarming prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes in Ghanaian adults, with hypertension ranging between 25% and 48%, and diabetes showing an estimated prevalence of around 6.46%. These conditions contribute substantially to the country’s overall health burden, Mrs. Ankomah noted.

Highlighting the prevalence of hypertension in the Ashaiman municipality, Mrs. Ankomah described hypertension as a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels, typically defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher. Diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels over an extended period, categorized into type 1 and type 2.

Children with diabetes, Mrs. Ankomah explained, primarily have type 1 diabetes, which can significantly impact their growth and development, necessitating lifelong insulin therapy and careful dietary management. Genetic factors contribute to both hypertension and diabetes, with unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption exacerbating the risk.

To combat the rising prevalence of these diseases, Mrs. Ankomah advocated for increased awareness, early detection through screening programs, promotion of healthy diets and physical activity, and implementation of policies to reduce salt intake and promote healthier environments.

Regular screening for hypertension and diabetes is essential, she emphasized, as these conditions may often be asymptomatic or present with subtle symptoms that require prompt attention.