What is Gestational Diabetes (GDM)?

Defined as glucose intolerance of varying severity diagnosed during pregnancy by glucose tolerance testing. This test is done between 24-28 weeks during pregnancy by a 50 gram one hour glucola test. This is a screening test. If this test is abnormal, then we do a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test which is a diagnostic test for GDM.

GDM is divided into diet controlled and insulin dependent diabetes. Uncontrolled GDM causes large babies, hypertension, maternal and fetal injury during delivery, stillbirth, higher rates of c-section and neonatal jaundice.