Gestational diabetes: diagnosis, care, and influence on fetus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by the WHO as a condition of hyperglycemia detected for the first time during pregnancy, with blood glucose levels that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for DM. There are some hormones produced by the placenta and increased by pregnancy, such as placental lactogen, cortisol, and prolactin. In which, they can reduce the performance of insulin at its receptors and, consequently, increase insulin production in healthy pregnant women. Prenatal care is essential to prevent complications for women and children. Thus, an individualized diet should be indicated, exercise during pregnancy, and delivery should be monitored. If the recommendations do not normalize the condition of GDM, spontaneous abortions, the formation of excess amniotic fluid, congenital malformations, restricted fetal growth, and even the death of the mother and fetus may occur.