According to research by the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies Study Group, ''the overall prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the Southeast Asian Region is at 7.6 percent for low-risk pregnancies and a whopping 31.5 percent for high-risk pregnancies."

What’s even more alarming is that according to their report, the Philippines had the highest overall prevalence at 14 percent.This just shows the magnitude of the GDM problem in the country and the importance of being vigilant—more so if you’re already carrying a little precious bundle in the oven.

We know, we know. It's not as if being pregnant isn’t hard enough. Why should you even worry about preventing pregnancy diabetes when you’re desperately craving for durian ice cream at 3:00 A.M.?

But with the complications involved that could affect both you and your child, it’s best to be informed. So before you dig into your second slice of cake, read on and find out how you can win the battle against GDM, and why prevention is more important than your next sugar craving.

(Photo by Sandor Weisz via Flickr Creative Commons; all photos used for illustrative purposes only)