Gestational diabetes: diagnosis and management

Pregnancy is a diabetogenic condition and approximately one per cent of suspected patients will develop an abnormal glucose tolerance test during pregnancy. Generally, the gestational diabetic tends to be heavier, older, and multiparous. The diagnosis can be made from the patient's family history, previous obstetrical history, or from clinical tests such as urine glucose, fasting blood sugar, and glucose tolerance tests. The management of the patient includes patient evaluation, diet, evaluation of the fetus, and selecting the time of terminating the pregnancy. With correct care and treatment, the patient can deliver a normal and healthy infant.