Gestational Diabetes- An Endocrinologist’s Perspective

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common medical complication of pregnancy today. As per the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2022, the latest definition of GDM is diabetes diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation. Blood sugar more than normal and less than diabetes in the first trimester is defined as hyperglycemia in early pregnancy. GDM has been associated with adverse pregnancy effects and outcomes such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, large for gestational age (LGA), shoulder dystocia, stillbirth, as well as neonatal complications. Dietary counseling and physical activity are the primary treatment for GDM. If sugar is not controlled through diet and exercise, metformin and or insulin are other treatment options.