Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes is a clinical condition in which a woman with no diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This condition increases the risk of a cesarean section, pre-eclampsia and depression. If unresolved, babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes may be too large, have low sugar levels post-birth and develop jaundice. They may also be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and being overweight later on in life. Certain risk factors for gestational diabetes include having a family history of type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, being overweight or having a previous occurrence of gestational diabetes. In order to assess the risk of developing the condition, screening is advisable between 24 to 28 weeks into gestation. The diagnosis is typically done on the basis of blood tests. The condition can be largely prevented with exercise and maintaining a healthy weight prior to pregnancy. This book contains some path-breaking studies in gestational diabetes mellitus. It outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the management of gestational diabetes in detail. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.