The Role of Oxidative Stress in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The most typical pregnancy-related medical problem is gestational diabetes mellitus. The hormones released during pregnancy, particularly human placental lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone, are responsible for this illness because they can hinder the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates and tolerate insulin. Hyperglycemia during pregnancy is caused by the action of these hormones. Maternal plasma and placental tissues have higher levels of oxidative stress in GDM patients. And antioxidants are reduced in placental tissue and maternal blood. Consequently, a decrease in antioxidant levels may cause rise in the oxidative stress and result in poor pregnancy outcomes. In GDM-affected women, antioxidant, probiotics and nutritional supplements have been used to lower indicators of oxidative stress. Key words: oxidative stress, Gestational diabetes mellitus, antioxidant