gestationell

Gestational diabetes mellitus, often referred to as GDM, is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It typically arises when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the body's cells less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose.

The exact cause of GDM is not fully understood, but several factors increase a woman's risk. These include a family history of diabetes, being overweight or obese before pregnancy, having had GDM in a previous pregnancy, being over the age of 25, and belonging to certain ethnic groups. While GDM usually disappears after the baby is born, it significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both the mother and the child.

Diagnosis of GDM is usually made through screening tests performed between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. These tests involve measuring blood sugar levels after consuming a sugary drink. Treatment typically focuses on managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication, including insulin. Close monitoring is essential to ensure the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.