Gestational diabetes: Implications for fetal growth, intervention timing, and treatment options

Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy, which can adversely affect the short-and long-term health of mothers and newborns. In recent years, several studies have revealed the early impact of maternal hyperglycemia on fetal growth trajectory and birth weight abnormalities in GDM-exposed pregnancies. However, an intense debate continues regarding the mode and optimal timing of diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of the understanding of GDM and its implications for fetal growth, addressing the modulatory role of medical nutrition therapy and available pharmacological antidiabetic agents (i.e. insulin, metformin, and glyburide), and to identify gaps in current knowledge toward which future research should be directed.

Automated summary

Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus can have adverse effects on the health of mothers and newborns, with studies showing the impact of maternal hyperglycemia on fetal growth and birth weight abnormalities. There is ongoing debate on the diagnosis and treatment of this condition, and future research should focus on addressing gaps in current knowledge.