Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Background
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Disease Etiology
Gestational diabetes is defined as hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy (1). Gestational diabetes is a risk factor for the future development of type 2 diabetes. Maternal hyperglycemia leads to excess fetal insulin, which is a growth hormone for the fetus. Thus, women with gestational diabetes mellitus may deliver large-for-gestational age infants. Untreated GDM may lead to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity, while intensive treatment is associated![endif]-->!--[if>
Gestational diabetes is defined as hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy (1). Gestational diabetes is a risk factor for the future development of type 2 diabetes. Maternal hyperglycemia leads to excess fetal insulin, which is a growth hormone for the fetus. Thus, women with gestational diabetes mellitus may deliver large-for-gestational age infants. Untreated GDM may lead to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity, while intensive treatment is associated![endif]-->!--[if>










