Obesity and gestational diabetes [Adipositas und gestationsdiabetes]

There has been a worldwide increase in the prevalence of obesity and obesity associated diseases. In parallel to this, the prevalence of gestational diabetes is also increasing. From the viewpoint of the pathophysiology of obese women, the massively increased insulin resistance in the second and third trimesters is important. Pregnant women with obesity or gestational diabetes exhibit an increased risk of complications such as hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as an increased frequency of caesarean deliveries. Children of mothers with gestational diabetes have an elevated risk for malformations and peripartum complications, and tend to be overweight and to have an impairment in their glucose tolerance during further development. The risk of the development of a type 2 diabetes is increased in women with a gestational diabetes. © 2006 Springer Medizin Verlag.