title: Comments on gestational diabetes mellitus: from pathophysiology to clinical practice.
abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a topic of major interest, as it affects up to 16% of pregnant women and may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, which, however, are preventable by appropriate treatment. The aim of the present study was to discuss basic concepts and to critically appraise recent updates on practical issues in the field of GDM. GDM pathophysiology, long-term complications including "fetal programming" and GDM diagnosis are discussed, while clinical practice guidelines on follow-up, medical nutrition therapy, oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin treatment are also reviewed. GDM comprises a serious yet preventable public health problem and prevention by lifestyle changes, early detection and adequate treatment can lead to better health outcomes for both mothers with GDM and their offspring.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Pavlos
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Poulakos
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Gesthimani
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mintziori
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Efrosini
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tsirou
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Eleftheria
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taousani
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Savvaki
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Vikentia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Harizopoulou
authors.affiliation: Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimitrios G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Goulis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy