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Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Meaning

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a clinical condition characterized by the onset or first recognition of glucose intolerance during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This diagnosis reflects an inability of the maternal pancreatic beta cells to secrete sufficient insulin to overcome the profound physiological insulin resistance induced by the hormonal milieu of pregnancy. GDM necessitates careful clinical management due to its potential adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health outcomes, including increased risk of preeclampsia and fetal macrosomia.