Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common medical pregnancy complication
worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment of GDM is greatly needed to improve the health of
both woman and child.
1st
2nd
US$ 1.6
billion 3rd
US$ 5.5
billion 24-28
weeks
30- 70%* of women with GDM experience hyperglycaemia from early pregnancy
(<20 weeks’ gestation, early GDM) and these pregnancies have worse outcomes for
woman and child compared to women diagnosed with late GDM
*depending on population and screening method
Woman Child
Treatment of GDM
Gestational diabetes treatment is similar globally and is based on: The treatment of GDM diagnosed at
24-28 weeks’ gestation is associated with:
Absolute reduction of
1·3%
Maternal Physical Self-monitoring Weight Nutrition shoulder dystocia
education activity of blood management
glucose 8·9% Absolute macrosomia reduction
(where available)
With up to 31% of type 2 diabetes in parous women attributable to GDM, there is a critical opportunity to
nearly halve this risk through lifestyle interventions, identifying strategies for prevention, diagnosis,
treatment, and long-term follow-up
Early GDM testing of those with risk Improve antenatal care that includes More research into GDM and how
factors ideally before 14 weeks gestation postpartum screening for glycemic status to improve outcomes of women
with GDM and their children across
Promoting health that prepares women, Tailored annual assessments in women
the life course.
especially those with risk factors for a with prior GDM to prevent or better manage
healthy pregnancy and, after that, for complications such as type 2 diabetes and
healthy aging cardiovascular disease
The Lancet Series on Gestational Diabetes. The Lancet 2024. Published online June 20.
www.thelancet.com/series/gestational-diabetes
Speciality title name xxxx The best science for better lives