Gestational diabetes

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Description

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a condition specific to pregnant women without pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus (DM), in which blood glucose levels are raised, i.e. the women become hyperglycaemic. It affects 4-7.5% of all pregnancies  and is increasing  more common among older women, obese women and certain ethnic groups. 

Pathological Process

Several hormones produced during pregnancy block the action of insulin at a cellular level. As a result, blood glucose levels rise and more insulin is produced in response. As the pregnancy develops, the insulin demands increase further, and insulin resistance also increases due to rising levels of pregnancy hormones. However, this is a normal physiological change in pregnancy. The specific development of GDM, or why certain women develop GDM, is not known. 

Consequences of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

For Mother

There have been many studies detailing the increased risk of developing DM Type II after having GDM, particularly in the first 5 years postpartum 

Diagnositc Procedures

Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

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Outcome Measures

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Key Evidence

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