Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy

Study Notes

Definition of Diabetes Mellitus in Pregestational and Gestational Contexts

Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Chronic metabolic disorder existing prior to pregnancy, primarily affecting carbohydrate metabolism.
Characterized by hyperglycemia, which results from:
- Limited insulin release in response to carbohydrate intake.
- Impaired cellular response to insulin.
May also disrupt fat and protein metabolic processes.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Diabetes first identified during pregnancy.

Etiological Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Personal Characteristics:
- Age: Increased risk for individuals aged 35 years or older, particularly with a family history (FH) of diabetes.
- Family History: Significant risk if one has an identical twin with diabetes.
- Obesity: Body weight exceeding 110% of ideal body weight or BMI greater than 30 kg/m² increases risk, especially with parental diabetes history.
Obstetric Conditions:
- Grand Multiparity: Having five or more deliveries.
- Previous Gestational Diabetes: History of impaired glucose tolerance or GDM in earlier pregnancies is a strong risk factor.
- Macrosomic Delivery: Having delivered a baby weighing 4 kg or more previously.
- Repeated Abortions: History of multiple pregnancy losses.
- Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Risk increases with significant weight gain during pregnancy.
- Glycosuria: Presence of glucose in urine noted during the first antenatal visit.
Others:
- Unexplained Intrauterine Fetal Death (IUFD) and perinatal loss.
- Birth of a baby with Congenital Malformations of Unknown Cause (CFMF).
- Unexplained polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid).

Description

This quiz covers the definition of pregestational diabetes mellitus (DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), including their characteristics and risk factors. It also discusses the etiology of gestational diabetes. Test your knowledge on diabetes in pregnancy!