Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
gestational diabetes
A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, affecting maternal glucose metabolism and potentially impacting fetal development.
Full Definition
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by glucose intolerance that first appears or is first recognized during pregnancy. This maternal condition can lead to macrosomia in infants, increased risk of birth complications, and potential long-term metabolic consequences for both mother and child. In NICU contexts, infants of mothers with gestational diabetes often require close monitoring for hypoglycemia and other complications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy; often abbreviated as GDM in clinical notes.
In Context
- "Maternal gestational diabetes increased the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia requiring NICU monitoring." — admission assessment
- "The large-for-gestational-age infant's condition was attributed to poorly controlled gestational diabetes." — case study report
Also known as
GDM
pregnancy-induced diabetes
Contrasted with
normal glucose tolerance
Don't confuse with
pre-gestational diabetes
type 1 diabetes
type 2 diabetes