Gestational Diabetes

Question 1

What common foetal complications can occur with gestational diabetes?

Answer 1

Macrosomia (raised foetal blood glucose leads to foetal hyperinsulinaemia, which leads to fat deposition and excessive growth)

Polyhydramnios (Increased mass of foetus leads to increased urine output & therefore polyhydramnios)

Shoulder dystocia (because larger foetus)

Neural tube defects
Cardiac abnormalities
Decreased lung maturity

Question 2

What are the NICE criteria for diagnosing diabetes in pregnancy?

Answer 2

Fasting glucose >5.6mmol/L

Glucose >7.8mmol/L 2hrs after GTT