gestational diabetes
Diabetes mellitus that develops during pregnancy, requiring careful management in fetal surgery candidates.
Full Definition
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance that first appears or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. In fetal surgery contexts, maternal GDM creates additional perioperative risks including delayed wound healing, increased infection rates, and potential fetal macrosomia affecting surgical access. Perioperative glucose management protocols differ from routine obstetric care due to prolonged anesthesia times and surgical stress. Editors must distinguish between pre-gestational and gestational diabetes in patient histories.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'gestational diabetes mellitus' in formal documentation; 'GDM' acceptable in clinical shorthand.
In Context
- "The patient's gestational diabetes was well-controlled with diet prior to the fetal intervention." — Preoperative assessment
- "Intraoperative glucose monitoring was intensified due to the patient's history of gestational diabetes." — Anesthesia plan