ABSTRACT
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is generally considered to be carbohydrate intolerance with variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study was based upon the rationale that overt diabetes clearly increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, while controversy exists regarding the potential risk of glucose intolerance during pregnancy less severe than overt diabetes. Preexisting diabetes requires more intensive evaluation and treatment during early pregnancy. Because of the increasing prevalence of obesity and of diabetes in the general population and during pregnancy, the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) also made recommendations for testing in early pregnancy to identify women with preexisting, untreated overt diabetes mellitus. It is to be hoped that in the not-too-distant future more evidence will be available to determine the costs, benefits, and risks of the IADPSG recommendations.
