A review article- gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and ongoing patient self-management education and support to prevent acute complications and to reduce the long-term complications. In certain populations such as Asians, particularly Indians the prevalence of diabetes is high. Obesity and advanced gestational age are the other risk factors for gestational diabetes. Perinatal mortality and morbidity are high in untreated diabetic pregnancies. However, this has decreased considerably with screening, antepartum fetal surveillance and insulin therapy. This article deals about the definition, risk factors, pathogenesis, screening and management of diabetes in pregnancy and its complications on mother and fetus and its long-term adverse effects and prevention.