Screening, diagnosis, and management of GDM: An update

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by an imbalance between insulin supply and resistance, resulting in maternal hyperglycemia first diagnosed during pregnancy. The increasing incidence of GDM parallels the obesity epidemic. There is no universal consensus on optimal screening and diagnostic criteria but it is widely accepted that pregnancies complicated by GDM are at high risk of short- and long-term adverse outcomes for both mother and offspring. Early intervention with lifestyle changes and medical treatment has been shown to prevent perinatal complications. At the same time, the application of clinical guidelines to real world clinical practice may be challenging as it is affected by socioeconomic diversities.