Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of glucose intolerance that is first recognized during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester. It affects a significant proportion of pregnant women worldwide, contributing to both maternal and fetal complications. The condition arises due to hormonal changes during pregnancy that lead to insulin resistance, and if untreated, can result in hyperglycemia. Risk factors for GDM include obesity, advanced maternal age, a family history of diabetes, and a history of previous gestational diabetes. The diagnosis is usually made through glucose tolerance tests performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Women with GDM are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, and their offspring are more likely to experience obesity and glucose intolerance in the future.