Gestational mellitus diabetes (GDM) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder among pregnant women nowadays. It is defined as any level of glucose intolerance, appearing or first being recognized during pregnancy. It is essential to diagnose and treat GDM early, in order to reduce or avoid complications for mother and fetus. Recently, new guidelines have changed the diagnosis criteria, and it is expected that the prevalence of GDM will increase by approximately 18%. A relevant goal of these new definitions is to provide a better care for pregnant women, in an attempt to reduce fetal and maternal complications. These new criteria will also increase the impact on costs of the health care system. Treatment must be individualized for best results, including a specific diet, physical activity and the use of medications. Metformin and Insulin use are analyzed in detail, in face of new evidences regarding their safety and efficacy during pregnancy.

The sodium and glucose co-transporter inhibitors type 2 (SGLT2) comprises a new class of hypoglycemic drugs to control type 2 diabetes mellitus, in an attempt to add new non-existing benefits to the so far arising classes. Regarding this new class of drugs, represented by dapaglifozin, canaglifozin and empaglifozin, it is important to highlight the benefits brought by these medications to combat hyperglycemia with insulin-independent mechanisms that are beyond glucose reduction, such as cardiovascular events prevention, reduction in HbA1c, weight loss and blood pressure lowering. Recently, a relevant study (Empa-Reg) brought hope and set the spotlight on the prevention of cardiac events among diabetic patients, which is the main cause of mortality within this group. However, despite coming out as a good treatment option, SGLT2 inhibitors are under constant clinical research and, as a new drug, it should be carefully carried out regarding the long-term effects of glycosuria and other possible side effects, such as the observed increase in the incidence of bladder, breast cancer and bone fractures, which require further studies. Therefore, these compounds might represent a landmark approach for the treatment of diabetes.