Pregnancy is a diabetogenic condition characterized by insulin resistance with a compensatory increase in B-cell response and hyperinsulinemia.
Insulin resistance usually begins in the second trimester and progresses throughout the remainder of pregnancy.
Placental secretion of hormones such as progesterone, cortisol, placental lactogen, prolactin and growth hormone is a major cause of the insulin resistant state.
GDM complicates 7% of all pregnancies and can be associated with various maternal and fetal complications