Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. GDM is usually identified in mid- to late-pregnancy and seems to relate to increased levels of anti-insulinemic hormones—specifically estrogen, prolactin, progesterone, cortisol, and human placenta lactogen. If GDM is not controlled, there is increased risk for large babies, and labor or postpartum complications. GDM generally poses little threat for congenital anomalies.