Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
gestational diabetes mellitus
Glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy.
Full Definition
A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before becoming pregnant. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) typically develops in the second or third trimester when hormonal changes increase insulin resistance. It affects 2-10% of pregnancies and increases risks for both mother and baby, including macrosomia, birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia, and future maternal type 2 diabetes. Management involves dietary modification, glucose monitoring, and sometimes insulin therapy.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as 'GDM' but spell out in formal documentation when first mentioned.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus at 28 weeks gestation." — Prenatal care record
- "All women should be screened for gestational diabetes mellitus between 24-28 weeks." — Clinical practice guideline
Also known as
GDM
pregnancy diabetes
Contrasted with
normal glucose tolerance
Don't confuse with
pre-gestational diabetes
type 2 diabetes