Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia that develops during pregnancy. GDM is associated with increased placental hormones and inflammation during pregnancy. Risk factors include obesity, advanced age, a history of prediabetes, and genetic predisposition. GDM can lead to many complications in the mother and fetus; the most common are macrosomia, birth injuries, cesarean delivery, and preeclampsia. In addition, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the mother after delivery increases.
According to the criteria determined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Turkish Endocrinology and Metabolism Association (TEMD) for the diagnosis of GDM, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are applied at the first prenatal examination. Treatment aims to reduce morbidity by providing glycemic control. Lifestyle changes and medical nutrition therapy are applied as the first step. If these methods are insufficient, pharmacological interventions such as insulin therapy may be required. Regulation of glucose levels improves maternal and fetal health and reduces the risk of complications.