TITLE:
Medical Management of Gestational Diabetes
AUTHORS:
Ayesha Anwar, Kashif Ahmad, Evdokia Karagianni, Stephen Lindow
KEYWORDS:
Gestational Diabetes, Pregnancy, Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.8 No.4,
April
25,
2018
ABSTRACT: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as
carbohydrate intolerance that begins or is first recognized during pregnancy.
The prevalence of GDM is on the rise due to increasing trends of obesity in females of child bearing
age as well as due to increasing maternal age. Women at higher risk should be
routinely screened of the condition and offered appropriate management in order
to avoid fetal and maternal complications. GDM is associated with higher incidence of maternal and fetal complications during
pregnancy and labour. There is a significant relationship between GDM
and prediabetic states as well as high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of
management is to keep glycaemic levels within specific targets to avoid adverse
outcomes. Improved health related quality of life has been linked with treatment of
gestational diabetes with active lifestyle, glucose monitoring and use of insulin. Historically, non
pharmacological intervention and insulin have been the main approaches in management of GDM, though recently there is an
emerging evidence of use of oral hypoglycemic agents. In this
article we have reviewed the existing evidence and recommendations in
management of GDM.