Diabetes and Related Conditions

Question 1

What characterizes Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)?

Answer 1

GDM is characterized by hyperglycemia during pregnancy

Question 2

What causes Gestational Diabetes Mellitus?

Answer 2

GDM is caused by increased glucose demand in mid-late pregnancy, exacerbating pre-diabetic states in some women

Question 3

What are the risk factors for GDM?

Answer 3

Risk factors include maternal obesity, older age, and a history of GDM or type 2 diabetes.

Question 4

Describe the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes

Answer 4

Pre-existing metabolic dysfunctions like insulin resistance worsen in mid-late gestation, leading to hyperglycemia.

Question 5

What are the short-term complications of GDM for the mother and fetus?

Answer 5

For the mother: pre-eclampsia and labor difficulties; for the fetus: pre-term delivery, large birth weight, and jaundice.

Question 6

What are the long-term complications of GDM for the mother and child?

Answer 6

For the mother: higher risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome; for the child: increased risk of insulin resistance, obesity, and cardiovascular disease

Question 7

How is GDM treated?

Answer 7

Treatments include lifestyle changes, insulin therapy for the mother, and glucose-lowering medications like metformin.

Question 8

What characterizes metabolic syndrome?

Answer 8

: It includes obesity (high BMI and waist circumference), dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance/insulin resistance, and hypertension.