Providing medical care to women with gestational diabetes: definition, prevalence, risk factors and consequences of the disease

Abstract

The article highlights the main issues related to the topical topic of gestational diabetes (GD). As the prevalence of GD is steadily increasing, the definition of this disease, its prevalence in pregnant women, the reasons for its rapid spread, as well as the impact on the health of the pregnant woman, fetus and newborn, and maternal and child pathology in the future are considered. Purpose - to draw attention to the problem of GD prevalence in order to reduce its level among pregnant women. Particular attention is paid to providing a clear definition of GD. This is necessary primarily for the timely diagnosis of GD, monitoring of indicators in such pregnant women and treatment in cases where it is needed. The social factors of the prevalence of this nosology are considered, as it is economically significant for each country and has a direct impact on fertility, working capacity and mortality rates. Given the risk factors for GD, it becomes clear that this disease is more common in highly developed countries. Particular attention is paid to the correlation between the prevalence of obesity and the risk of GD. Although recommendations for the management of obese pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy vary, counselling on pregnancy risks, a healthy diet, exercise and dietary supervision are recommended to manage weight loss and gain during pregnancy. The clinician managing a pregnancy with GD should be aware of the factors that increase the risk of this nosology, the consequences of the disease for the mother during pregnancy, after delivery and the course of labour. The impact on the fetus during pregnancy is extremely important. There are also long-term consequences for a child whose mother had GD. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.