The Common Definition Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The common definition of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose or carbohydrate intolerance with onset, first recognition or first diagnosis during pregnancy; it is a common complication in pregnancy that typically ends a few weeks after birth (Coustan, 2013; Zhang Ning, 2011; Brown, 2011). Although the causes of GDM are not known, it appears that hormones from the placenta lead to insulin resistance in the mother; this insulin resistance combined with an inadequate insulin secretion to compensate for its resistance has a central role in the pathophysiology of GDM, which can then lead to hyperglycemia and gestational diabetes mellitus (Zhang Ning, 2011; Blake, Munoz, Volpe, 2014). It is thought that women who develop GDM†¦show more content†¦2014; Zhang Ning, 2011; Tobias, et al., 2012). Diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes According to Blake (2011) glucose screening is recommended for women at high risk (including the risk factors mentioned above) for gestational diabetes, but is not recommended for certain women; women who are: under the age of 25, no first degree familial diabetes, normal pre-pregnancy weight and healthy pregnancy weight gain, no history of glucose intolerance, and no previously poor outcomes obstetrically. In comparison, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) endorses universal screening of all pregnant women for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (Coustan 2013). The usual screening test used for GDM is a 50-gram 1-hour glucose challenge (50-gram oral glucose test) at 24-28 weeks gestation (Coustan 2013; Brown, 2011). This one hour glucose test is used as the initial screening tool to identify potential cases that may need further testing; further testing is required if the glucose level is greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL (Brown, 2011). The first test is followed up with either the 100-g/3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or the 75-g/2-h OGTT; the OGTT is usually performed by giving a pregnant woman a drink containing