Overview

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance of various degrees that is first detected during pregnancy.Diabetes mellitus is the most common medical complications of pregnancy. As the incidence of type 2 DM increases, cases of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Universal screening for gestasional diabetes mellitus is standard in the United States. whether by patient history, clinical risk factor, or laboratory testing. Testing is typically performed at 24 to 28 weeks, but if strong risk factor such as obesity, family history, or a personal history of gestasional diabetes mellitus are present, screening can be performed at the first visit. Not all patients require screening via blood glucose testing.
Mother and neonatal complications of gestasional diabetes mellitus are increased with both gestational and pregestational diabetes mellitus, but the incidence is much higher in pregestational diabetes mellitus and with poor glycemic control. Fetal glucose levels are similar to maternal blood glucose levels, and both fetal hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia have important effects. Maternal compications are increased with gestasional diabetes mellitus.

Thus, Gestational diabetes mellitus provides a unique opportunity to study the early pathogenesis of diabetes and to develop interventions to prevent the disease.The initial prenatal visit should include a detailed history and physical examination, and electrocardiogram ( for women older than age 30, smokers, or hypertensives), and 24 hours urine collection for protein and creatinin clearence.
Postpartum management of gestasional diabetes mellitus mother depends on the severity and type of DM.