Co-morbid Gestational Diabetes and PCOS: Risks and Management

Abstract

Diabetes is emerging global burden and is defined as chronic metabolic disorder that results in elevated level of blood glucose and is due to beta cell destruction. Gestational diabetes is the type of diabetes that occurs in women during pregnancy or first recognized at the Gestational period. The prevalence of Gestational diabetes is increasing tremendously in developing countries. Approximately 2 to 14% of pregnancy is diagnosed with Gestational diabetes and 90% of all Gestational diabetes is reported from low- and middleincome countries. Of these North Africa has the highest prevalence followed by South Asia. The chance of developing type 2 diabetes is 7 times higher in women with previous history of Gestational diabetes and also it involves in increasing the risk of cardio metabolic disorders in later life. Gestational diabetes results from various complex interactions of environmental, genetic and maternal factors. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a major cause of infertility in women causes hormonal abnormalities and is also associated with insulin resistance. There exists a relationship between Gestational diabetes and PCOS stating that PCOS increase the risk of Gestational diabetes since insulin resistance is common factor in both. It is observed that the risk of Gestational diabetes is threefold higher n women with PCOS. Both PCOS as well as Gestational diabetes affects the quality of life of women due to many pathological changes. Life style modification is essential for management of PCOS and Gestational diabetes. Insulin therapy is recommended to treat hyperglycemic condition during pregnancy.