Update on treatment of gestational diabetes

Abstract

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder in pregnant women associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term maternal and offspring health risks. Worldwide GDM prevalence is increasing in the setting of the obesity epidemic, advanced maternal age, and tighter diagnostic criteria. Lifestyle interventions that promote healthy eating behaviours and healthy weight gain play a key role in the management of GDM. If glycemic targets are not achieved with diet alone, insulin therapy is recommended since oral antihyperglycemic agents lack long-term safety data. Because GDM is associated with an increased lifetime maternal risk for type 2 diabetes women should be followed up regularly and screened for diabetes 4-to 12-weeks postpartum and every 1–3 years thereafter. The aim of this article is to present an update on treatment of gestational diabetes.