An Update of the Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Management – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly common condition in medical practice. In the absence of effective therapeutic management, it can lead to significant maternal and neonatal complications with adverse effects on maternal and fetal health. Reducing the risk of morbidity is the goal achived by screening of all pregnant women and active involvement of health care staff and early medical intervention in case of detection of GDM. The aim of this review is to present the latest data on the diagnosis and management of GDM. The management challenge is to maintain blood glucose levels within the targets recommended by current guidelines, the range of which is relatively narrow. In this regard, nutritional intervention and lifestyle changes are of primary importance, and if necessary insulin therapy is initiated, insulin analogues being preferable due to lower risk of hypoglycemia. Oral antidiabetics are so far not recommended for use in pregnancy.