Vagal Withdrawal Could be Critical in the Pathogenesis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a state of Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Worldwide, one in 10 pregnancies is associated with diabetes, 90% of which are GDM. Undiagnosed or inadequately treated GDM can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications. Moreover, women with GDM and their offsprings are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. In India, the incidence of GDM is 10-20%, which is much higher than the west. In a field study in Tamil Nadu performed under the Diabetes in Pregnancy: Awareness and Prevention project, the prevalence of GDM was 17.8% in the urban, 13.8% in the semi urban and 9.9% in the rural areas.[1] The incidence of GDM is expected to increase to > 20% i.e., at least one in every 5 pregnant women is likely to have GDM. Despite a high prevalence of GDM in Indian women, currently screening of pregnant women for GDM is not being done universally as part of the essential antenatal check-ups. GDM being a major public health problem with serious adverse effects on mother and child, there is a need of understanding the basic pathophysiology of the disease and evolving the cost-effective management strategies. Read more . . .