Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition affecting ∼7% of all pregnancies. The detection of GDM is important because of its associated maternal and fetal complications. Treatment with medical nutrition therapy, close monitoring of glucose levels, and insulin therapy if glucose levels are above goal can help to reduce these complications.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance that begins or is first detected during pregnancy.1-3 GDM affects ∼7% of all pregnancies, resulting in > 200,000 cases per year.2 Depending on the population sample and diagnostic criteria, the prevalence may range from 1 to 14%.1,2 Of all pregnancies complicated by diabetes, GDM accounts for ∼90%.1