Obstetrics & Gynecology>>>>>The Puerperium, Lactation, and Immediate Care of the Newborn
Question 30#

A 35-year-old G2P2 presents for her routine postpartum visit. Her pregnancy was complicated by gestational diabetes, which was diagnosed in the second trimester during routine screening. She has no other medical problems, and she has no family history of diabetes. She gained 25 pounds during her pregnancy, and her gestational diabetes was managed with diet modification. 

The patient asks if the fact that she had gestational diabetes might have any long-term effects on her baby.

How should you counsel her?

A. Offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk for obesity later in life
B. Her baby has an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes
C. As long as her baby maintains a normal weight during childhood and adolescence, there is no increased risk for development of diabetes later in life
D. Her baby has an increased risk of neurodevelopmental complications
E. Offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes do not have any increased risks compared to offspring of mothers without gestational diabetes

Correct Answer is A

Comment:

It is estimated that 15% to 50% of women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Postpartum screening at 6 to 12 weeks is recommended to identify women with diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, or impaired glucose tolerance. Women with GDM have a sevenfold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to women without GDM. Either a fasting plasma glucose or the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test may be ordered in the postpartum period. Offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk for obesity later in life. There is some data that development of type 2 diabetes may be impacted by intrauterine exposure to hyperglycemia. Both types 1 and 2 diabetes have a large genetic component.