Gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is any abnormal glucose tolerance first detected during pregnancy. The pathogenesis involves the combination of insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. Unmodifiable risk factors such as age, genetic background, ethinicity and modifiable risk factors are well known. Several screening and diagnostic tests are in use. Adverse consequences of GDM includes neonatal macrosomia and hypoglycemia and in mother post partum risk of diabetes mellitus. Management modalities and strategies of GDM have markedly improved in last two decades, with new insulins and even oral medication showing reasonable good response. © 2008 Diabetes India.