Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy.
Etiology and Risk Factors
- Cause: The placenta produces hormones (e.g., estrogen, cortisol, human placental lactogen) that make the body's insulin less effective, a condition called insulin resistance (the "contra-insulin effect").
- This typically begins around 20–24 weeks. If the mother's pancreas cannot produce enough extra insulin to overcome this resistance, GDM develops.
- Risk Factors: Age over 25, obesity, family history of Type 2 diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and being of South/East Asian, Latino, or Pacific Islander descent (making it highly relevant for India).
- Recent Context (India): Recent studies indicate a surge in early-onset GDM in India, with glucose intolerance being detected earlier than the typical 24–28 weeks of gestation.
Complications and Management
- For the Mother: Increased risk of Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), C-section delivery, and a much higher long-term risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
- For the Baby:
- Macrosomia (excessively large birth weight), leading to complications during delivery.
- Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) immediately after birth.
- Increased risk of childhood obesity and future Type 2 diabetes.
- Treatment: Involves dietary and lifestyle changes (exercise), daily blood glucose monitoring, and sometimes insulin injections.
- Public Health Challenge: GDM is a major public health concern in India due to the country's high prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors. It affects maternal and child health outcomes.
- National Health Programs: GDM screening and management are integrated into national health campaigns (like the National Health Mission) to improve maternal mortality and morbidity rates.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
