Long-term prognostic factors in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasingly common condition, affecting 7% of all pregnancies in the UK. With an array of associated complications both for mother and foetus, early detection and diagnosis of the condition is pivotal to successful intervention strategies and long-term management. This article looks at diagnosis, treatment and management of GDM and examines the impact of an initial diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and/or GDM and how the prognosis for long-term health is influenced by such a diabetogenic manifestation. It is fundamental to the prevention or delayed onset of type II diabetes mellitus that patients are aware of the risk factors associated with their general health. With rising cases of maternal obesity, later age of gestation and increasingly sedentary lifestyles in women of child-bearing age, health-care professional future involvement with IGT and GDM patients is guaranteed.