Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been traditionally defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Regarding diabetes in pregnancy all are true, EXCEPT:
Glucose challenge test is done between 24-28 week
50 gm of sugar given as screening test
Insulin resistance improves with pregnancy
Diabetes control before conception is impoant to prevent malformation
The hallmark of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is insulin resistance. Women with GDM exhibit more insulin resistance than normal patients, which is a function of their pre pregnancy metabolic state. Screening test consists of a 1-hour 50-g oral glucose challenge test (GCT), which is administered between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Diabetes control before conception is impoant to prevent malformation. Ref: Murphy A., Janzen C., Strehlow S.L., Greenspoon J.S., Palmer S.M. (2013). Chapter 31. Diabetes Mellitus & Pregnancy. In A.H. DeCherney, L. Nathan, N. Laufer, A.S. Roman (Eds), CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology, 11e.