Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder during pregnancy. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that one in six pregnant women (16.8 %) has diabetes. The prevalence of this disease in the human population is striking and, according to various sources, accounts for 14–25 % of all pregnant women. Most cases of hyperglycemia during pregnancy (75–90 %) is due to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Risk factors, etiology and pathophysiology of GDM are being actively studied, but there are still some controversial issues. For example, the development of GDM in the aspect of circadian rhythm disorders. This problem is especially relevant in connection with pregnancy. After all, there is a two-way relationship here – circadian rhythm disorders affect the course of pregnancy, and pregnancy can be the cause of these disorders. In addition, this problem is relevant for women with a history of endocrine disorders, including diabetes mellitus, as there is a clear link between circadian rhythms and the production of hormones, including insulin.
The aim of this review was to show the relationship between the development of GDM, its complications, and circadian rhythm disorders in women.
Pregnancy complicated by GDM can have a negative effect on the myocardium and liver. Moreover, this disease has a significant impact on the myocardium of the offspring. GDM also can cause other complications for the mother’s health and fetus or newborn. Scientists have identified a fairly significant number of risk factors for GDM. However, circadian rhythm disorders accompanying pregnancy are often underestimated as a risk factor.
In general, there are many controversies regarding the relationship between long / short sleep duration and quality and the risk of developing diabetes, as well as how melatonin and its precursor serotonin affect metabolism in critical organs. Thus, the role of circadian rhythm disorders in the development of diabetes and its consequences is not yet fully understood. It is likely that solving the problem of circadian rhythm disorders will be the key to overcoming a significant proportion of cases of GDM. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further, larger-scale studies to investigate the causal links between circadian rhythm disorders, diabetes mellitus, and pregnancy.