Gestational diabetes mellitus

Diabetes during pregnancy refers to the first occurrence of elevated blood glucose levels in pregnant women during pregnancy, with two or more fasting blood glucose readings greater than or equal to 5.1 mmol/L. This usually results from one of two situations: Pregnancy superimposed on pre-existing diabetes, known as "diabetes complicating pregnancy." Diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who had normal blood glucose levels before pregnancy, known as "gestational diabetes mellitus" (GDM). More than 90% of pregnant women with high blood glucose have GDM. After delivery, GDM may resolve, but the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life increases. This condition can have the following effects on pregnant women: The likelihood of developing gestational hypertension is 2 to 4 times higher than in normal pregnant women. Increased susceptibility to infections, such as recurrent genital tract infections during pregnancy, surgical site infections after delivery, puerperal infections, and mastitis. Diabetic ketoacidosis, if it occurs, can be life-threatening. The risk of diabetes recurrence significantly increases in subsequent pregnancies. Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. This condition can have the following effects on the fetus: Hyperglycemia can lead to abnormal embryonic development or even death, causing miscarriage. The fetus is prone to macrosomia, with birth weight higher than average. Polyhydramnios can easily induce preterm labor, and when maternal complications such as hypertension occur, premature termination of pregnancy becomes necessary, leading to a preterm birth rate of 10% to 25%. The incidence of fetal malformations increases by 7 to 10 times compared to normal pregnancies, with cardiovascular and nervous system abnormalities being the most common.