A clinical update on the molecular pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus and its consequences

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming more common all over the world, mainly to an increase in maternal obesity. There have been a number of approaches to screening for and diagnosing GDM described, however there is no consensus on which methods are the most effective. For the mother, developing fetus, and children born to mothers with GDM, GDM poses severe short and long-term health hazards. Macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, delivery trauma, and hypoglycemia in the immediate postpartum period are all short-term dangers for the fetus. Increased rates of childhood and adulthood obesity, as well as a higher cardio metabolic risk, are long-term hazards for offspring born to women with GDM. More investigations on the aetiology and underlying mechanisms of gestational diabetes and its complications on the long-term health of offspring are needed to offer a foundation for creating effective therapies during this important period with the goal of promoting lifelong health and well-being.