Gestational Diabetes Mellitus—Recent Literature Review

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is defined as a state of hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy, is currently the most common medical complication in pregnancy. GDM affects approximately 15% of pregnancies worldwide, accounting for approximately 18 million births annually. Mothers with GDM are at risk of developing gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and termination of pregnancy via Caesarean section. In addition, GDM increases the risk of complications, including cardiovascular disease, obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in both the mother and infant. The increase in the incidence of GDM also leads to a significant economic burden and deserves greater attention and awareness. A deeper understanding of the risk factors and pathogenesis becomes a necessity, with particular emphasis on the influence of SARS-CoV-2 and diagnostics, as well as an effective treatment, which may reduce perinatal and metabolic complications. The primary treatments for GDM are diet and increased exercise. Insulin, glibenclamide and metformin can be used to intensify the treatment. This paper provides an overview of the latest reports on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of GDM based on the literature.

Thyroid dysfunction during gestation and gestational diabetes mellitus: a complex relationship

“…GDM and GTD represent the most prevalent endocrinopathies during pregnancy [3,4]. Taking into account the diversified screening approach and given the different risk according to ethnicity and body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of GDM ranges between 1 and 28% [5][6][7].…”

Gestational diabetes mellitus: The optimal time of delivery

“…Compared to that during normal pregnancies, the incidence of complications in the third trimester among patients with GDM is significantly higher, resulting in more adverse effects with regard to maternal and infant health. Data in the literature have shown that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among patients with GDM is related to maternal glycemic level[ 20 ]. The three GDM subtypes all exhibit different characteristics in terms of maternal glycemic control, and thus their adverse pregnancy risks are also different.…”

Placental Growth Factor and Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A as Potential Early Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

“…Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as a disorder of glucose metabolism recognized for the first time during pregnancy, even though the abnormalities may have existed before pregnancy and may persist after the delivery [ 1 ]. It has been estimated that approximately 7% of all pregnancies are complicated by GDM, resulting in more than 200,000 worldwide cases annually [ 2 , 3 ]. The prevalence may vary from 1% to 14% of all pregnancies depending on the population studied and the diagnostic tests used [ 2 ].…”

“…It has been estimated that approximately 7% of all pregnancies are complicated by GDM, resulting in more than 200,000 worldwide cases annually [ 2 , 3 ]. The prevalence may vary from 1% to 14% of all pregnancies depending on the population studied and the diagnostic tests used [ 2 ]. GDM is the most common cause of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, accounting for more than 85% of all cases [ 3 , 4 ].…”