Thorogood and Donaldson (2010, p.
776) further outline that GDM encompasses any type of diabetes first diagnosed in pregnancy. For
example, type one or type two diabetes recognised for the first time during antenatal screening.
GDM is characterised by pancreatic b-cell function that is insufficient to meet the body’s needs
(Thorogood & Donaldson 2010, p. 777) and is diagnosed by routine glucose tolerance screening.