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"GDM is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy". (18) The pathophysiologic process of GDM is similar to that of Type 2. Weight gain and presence of placental hormones increases insulin resistance. The most common complications of GDM are macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels should be reassessed following delivery.
This form of diabetes complicates 2-4% of all pregnancies. Persons with GDM may be at greater risk for developing Type 2 later in life. The screening process should take place between 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Women should be screened earlier if there is history of previous GDM, polydypsia/polyuria, or having given birth to an infant that was large for their gestational age. Individuals within high-risk groups should be more closely monitored and educated about hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis and coronary atherosclerosis. Follow-up testing should be conducted 6 weeks post-delivery. Women under the age of 25, of normal weight, with no family history of diabetes and are not members of high-risk ethnic/racial groups may not need screening for GDM (3,18,19)
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