Gestational diabetes mellitus: An overview.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising all over the globe at an alarming rate. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance occurring for the first time during pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM varies in direct proportion to the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes for a given ethnic group or population. It is crucial to detect women with GDM as the condition is associated with diverse range of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In addition, having a history of GDM puts the mother at risk for the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus or recurrent GDM. Various screening guidelines have been introduced depending upon the suitability of test to the population characteristics, cost and screening accuracy. Still there are lots of controversies to which test to be used, when should the screening be done and who should be screened. However, recognizing GDM is becomimg a major health challenge for clinicians, and treating it results in lowering of both maternal and fetal complications. Also, clinicians must followup women with GDM postpartum so that the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes may start declining.