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PEN - The Global Resource for Nutrition Practice

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes Background

Please Note: This content is being reviewed and updated. It may not reflect the most current evidence and recommendations.
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

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