The global burden of hyperglycemia in pregnancy - Trends from studies in the last decade

Concurrent with the rise in obesity, global rates of diabetes are increasing at alarming rates in both developed and developing nations. As these conditions become more prevalent among women of reproductive age, rates of hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) are also increasing. HIP is associated with many immediate perinatal complications which affect both maternal and fetal/neonatal health, as well as with more long term complications. Long term complications include an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases in both mother and offspring, therefore affecting future generations. In addition to these health burdens, pregnancies complicated by hyperglycemia are also associated with greater economic costs. It is therefore imperative to allocate educational and health care dollars and resources to decelerate the increasing prevalence of diabetes and HIP.