TITLE:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Short- and Long-Term Maternal and Offspring Outcomes and Management Strategies
AUTHORS:
Xin Zhou, Lin Li, Lu Wang
KEYWORDS:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Maternal and Offspring Outcomes, Cardiovascular Disease, Metabolic Abnormalities, Comprehensive Intervention
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.5,
May
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and has significant short- and long-term impacts on both maternal and offspring health. GDM is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and contributes to an increased risk of long-term metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in mothers and their offspring. Current management strategies for GDM are primarily based on lifestyle interventions, particularly medical nutrition therapy and combined diet-exercise approaches, with pharmacological treatment as an adjunct when glycemic control is insufficient. Individualized management is essential to optimize outcomes. In addition, growing evidence emphasizes the importance of continuous management across the life course, including preconception screening, antenatal care, and postpartum follow-up. This review summarizes the short- and long-term effects of GDM and outlines recent advances in comprehensive management strategies, providing a reference for clinical nursing practice and maternal health management.