Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Perspective

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing in prevalence due to prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of childbearing age. Much controversy surrounds the diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes, emphasizing the importance, relevance and consequences. If newly proposed criteria are adopted universally a significantly growing number of women will be diagnosed as having GDM, implying new therapeutic challenges to avoid fetal and maternal complications related to the hyperglycemia of gestational diabetes. This review provides an overview of clinical issues related to GDM, including the challenges of screening and diagnosis, the treatment and prevention of GDM and the long and short term consequences of gestational diabetes for both mother and offspring. Methodology: A study was done between July 2016 to July 2017. A total of 54 patients were included in the study. Results: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus is about 17.8%. Majority of the patients were primi para between 25-29 years age group.22.2% patients had family history of diabetes. Majority of the patients showed good response to insulin. 51.9% patients had vaginal delivery and 48.1% patients had LSCS. Conclusion: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus can be treated and have a better outcome by Pre-pregnancy counseling, good glycaemic control, regular antenatal care, proper monitoring of blood glucose level and timely management which can reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. [Parul S NJIRM 2017; 8(6):79-82]