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Review
. 2020 Jul 15;21(14):5003.
doi: 10.3390/ijms21145003.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Harbinger of the Vicious Cycle of Diabetes

Emilyn U Alejandro  1 , Therriz P Mamerto  2   3 , Grace Chung  1 , Adrian Villavieja  2   3 , Nawirah Lumna Gaus  3 , Elizabeth Morgan  4 , Maria Ruth B Pineda-Cortel  2   3   5
Affiliations
Review

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Harbinger of the Vicious Cycle of Diabetes

Emilyn U Alejandro et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by a transitory form of diabetes induced by insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction during pregnancy, has been identified as one of the major obstacles in achieving improved maternal and child health. Approximately 9-25% of pregnancies worldwide are impacted by the acute, long-term, and transgenerational health complications of this disease. Here, we discuss how GDM affects longstanding maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as health risks that likely persist into future generations. In addition to the current challenges in the management and diagnosis of and the complications associated with GDM, we discuss current preclinical models of GDM to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of the disease and the timely need to increase our scientific toolbox to identify strategies to prevent and treat GDM, thereby advancing clinical care.

Keywords: diabetes animal models; fetal programming; gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes; glycemic control; hyperglycemia; insulin; obesity; placenta; polycystic ovary syndrome; pregnancy complications; type 2 diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a harbinger to the vicious cycle of transgenerational obesity and diabetes. The general pathology of GDM is shown, including the three critical windows of opportunity to break the cycle. PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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