title: Gestational diabetes mellitus: challenges in diagnosis and management.
abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a well-characterized disease affecting a significant population of pregnant women worldwide. It has been widely linked to undue weight gain associated with factors such as diet, obesity, family history, and ethnicity. Poorly controlled GDM results in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Improved outcomes therefore rely on early diagnosis and tight glycaemic control. While straightforward protocols exist for screening and management of diabetes mellitus in the general population, management of GDM remains controversial with conflicting guidelines and treatment protocols. This review highlights the diagnostic and management options for GDM in light of recent advances in care.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania ; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Dodoma, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Bonaventura C T
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Mpondo
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, PO Box 395, Dodoma, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ernest
authors.affiliation: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Hannah E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Dee
keywords: Gestation diabetes mellitus; Glucose intolerance; Glycaemic control; Insulin; Oral agents; Screening