Open AccessGestational diabetes: A clinical update
Author(s) -
Ulla Kampmann,
Lene Ring Madsen,
Torjus Skajaa,
Ditte Smed Iversen,
Niels Moeller,
Per Ovesen
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of diabetes
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1948-9358
DOI - 10.4239/wjd.v6.i8.1065
Subject(s) - gestational diabetes , medicine , diabetes mellitus , overweight , pregnancy , obesity , obstetrics , type 2 diabetes , gestation , intensive care medicine , endocrinology , genetics , biology
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing in prevalence in tandem with the dramatic increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age. Much controversy surrounds the diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes, emphasizing the importance and relevance of clarity and consensus. If newly proposed criteria are adopted universally a significantly growing number of women will be diagnosed as having GDM, implying new therapeutic challenges to avoid foetal and maternal complications related to the hyperglycemia of gestational diabetes. This review provides an overview of clinical issues related to GDM, including the challenges of screening and diagnosis, the pathophysiology behind GDM, the treatment and prevention of GDM and the long and short term consequences of gestational diabetes for both mother and offspring.