[Pathogenesis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus]

The definition of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is carbohydrate intolerance of varying degrees of severity, with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. GDM develops due to insulin resistance during pregnancy and impaired insulin secretion. The problems of GDM are increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome and development of diabetes later in life in the mother. To prevent adverse perinatal outcome, it is important to screen for glucose intolerance as early in pregnancy as possible, and to control maternal hyperglycemia intensively. To reduce the risk of future diabetes in the mother, patient should control weight and increase physical activity.