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Sub-Category:

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Number of Conditions: 1

Diabetes during pregnancy

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Diabetes Mellitus and Related Disorders

Sub-category: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Symptoms:
increased thirst; frequent urination; fatigue; blurred vision; unexplained weight changes; nausea; slow-healing infections

Root Cause:
Insulin resistance due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, combined with an inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is through glucose screening tests such as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) conducted during the second trimester (usually between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy).

Treatment:
Management involves dietary modifications, regular physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, and, if needed, medications to regulate blood sugar levels.

Medications:
Insulin therapy is the primary treatment if blood sugar cannot be controlled through lifestyle changes. Additionally, oral medications such as metformin (a biguanide that improves insulin sensitivity) or glyburide (a sulfonylurea that increases insulin secretion) may be prescribed in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Gestational diabetes affects approximately 6-9% of pregnancies globally, with higher rates in certain populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of diabetes; overweight or obesity; advanced maternal age; previous history of gestational diabetes; ethnic predisposition (e.g., South Asian, African-American, Hispanic); polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most women with gestational diabetes return to normal glucose levels after delivery. However, they remain at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Macrosomia (large baby size); increased risk of cesarean delivery; neonatal hypoglycemia; respiratory distress syndrome in newborn; increased risk of preeclampsia for the mother; future metabolic disorders in both mother and child