THE EFFECT OF OBESITY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diabetes with onset or first recognition occurring during pregnancy. The disease shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia. Known risk factors for GDM include overweight and obesity, advanced maternal age, and a family history of any form of diabetes. The most significant risk factor is pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity. The risk of developing GDM is three-fold higher among obese women than in those of normal weight. The prevalence of GDM is increasing parallel to the global obesity pandemic. Adipose tissue dysfunction and inflammation are well-known causes of diabetes mellitus, and emerging data suggest that they also play an important role in GDM. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.