Epidemiology and long-term effects of gestational diabetes mellitus

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder affecting 2.4%-22.3% of pregnancies, with notable regional variation. While most women with GDM return to normal glucose tolerance in the postpartum period, they remain at an increased risk of subsequent metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.Current Concepts: The prevalence of GDM has been increasing globally, including in Korea. Women diagnosed with GDM have an elevated risk of adverse outcomes during pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders, cesarean sections, and fetal macrosomia. Additionally, GDM increases the long-term risks for type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and potentially liver disorders. The growing prevalence of GDM highlights the need for comprehensive surveillance and targeted interventions. Understanding the risk factors, such as lifestyle, ethnicity, maternal age, and pre-pregnancy obesity, is crucial to develop effective prevention and management strategies.Discussion and Conclusion: Addressing the rising GDM trends requires public health efforts to monitor prevalence and mitigate risk factors through lifestyle modifications, early detection, and careful follow-up. Women with a history of GDM are at high risk for cardiometabolic diseases, necessitating proactive postpartum management including regular glucose monitoring and cardiovascular assessments. Establishing tailored preventive strategies and ensuring long-term follow-up for affected women may help reduce the burden of GDM and its associated complications, ultimately improving maternal health and quality of life.