Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes; diet and exercise, then insulin or metformin if targets are not met
What our notes say
- Gestational diabetes; diet and exercise, then insulin or metformin if targets are not met (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
- | Common conditions | Blood pressure and urine protein (pre-eclampsia), malaria slide or rapid test, stool microscopy (worms), OGTT (gestational diabetes) | Is there a treatable condition now? | (Antenatal care)
- Early detection and treatment of problems: anaemia, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, malaria, syphilis, HIV and urinary infections, a poorly growing fetus, malposition and multiple pregnancy. (Obstetrics II CAT: miscarriage, pregnancy physiology and antenatal care, 26 MCQs)
- Topics: antenatal care, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, postpartum haemorrhage, ectopic pregnancy, gestational diabetes, labour, contraception, pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical screening. (Obstetrics and Gynaecology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
- | Pancreas | Insulin resistance rises in the second and third trimesters (human placental lactogen), the basis of gestational diabetes | (Physiological changes in pregnancy)
- Type 1 (autoimmune beta-cell destruction, absolute insulin deficiency), type 2 (insulin resistance with relative deficiency), gestational diabetes, and other specific types (MODY, pancreatic disease, drugs, endocrinopathies). (Chemical Pathology Practice Examination)
Study material on Gestational Diabetes
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs
- Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics: Exam Review & Core Concepts
Practice questions on Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is best described as
- Pre-existing Type 1 DM diagnosed during pregnancy
- Any degree of glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy
- Type 2 DM that improves with pregnancy
- Diabetes caused by placental hormones permanently damaging beta cells
Answer: B. GDM: placental hormones (HPL, progesterone, cortisol) cause insulin resistance. Risk factors: obesity, family history, previous macrosomic baby, PCOS. Complications: macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, polyhydramnios. ~50% develop T2DM later in life. Screened with OGTT at 24–28 weeks. ---