How common is gestational diabetes
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Summary
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These studies suggest that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 15% of pregnancies worldwide and is the most common pregnancy complication.
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Prevalence and Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent medical complication during pregnancy, affecting a significant portion of pregnant women globally. The prevalence of GDM varies widely depending on the diagnostic criteria and population studied. In Europe, GDM is present in about 2-6% of all pregnancies, making it one of the most common pregnancy disorders. In the United States, the prevalence of GDM increased from 4.6% in 2006 to 8.2% in 2016, indicating a rising trend over the past decade. Globally, GDM affects approximately 15% of pregnancies, accounting for around 18 million births annually. Some studies suggest that the prevalence could be as high as 12-18% of all pregnancies.
Diagnostic Criteria and Trends
The criteria for diagnosing GDM have evolved, leading to variations in reported prevalence. Newly proposed diagnostic criteria could result in a GDM prevalence of 17.8%, nearly doubling the number of pregnant women currently diagnosed. This increase is primarily due to the adoption of more sensitive glucose tolerance tests, which identify a higher number of women with mild hyperglycemia.
Risk Factors and Recurrence
Several risk factors contribute to the development of GDM, including maternal overweight and obesity, advanced maternal age, a family history of diabetes, and certain ethnic backgrounds . Women who have had GDM in one pregnancy have a 30-70% chance of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Additionally, about half of the women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes within a few years after their pregnancy .
Long-term Consequences for Mother and Offspring
GDM has significant long-term health implications for both the mother and the child. Women with a history of GDM are more than seven times as likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. The offspring of mothers with GDM are at a higher risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, with risks being two- to eightfold higher compared to offspring of mothers without GDM. These long-term risks highlight the importance of effective management and follow-up programs to prevent the progression of GDM to type 2 diabetes .
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common and increasing complication of pregnancy with significant short-term and long-term health implications for both mothers and their children. The prevalence of GDM varies widely but is generally increasing, influenced by changes in diagnostic criteria and rising rates of maternal obesity. Effective management and follow-up are crucial to mitigate the long-term risks associated with GDM.
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