Evidence Supports Treatment of Mild Gestational Diabetes
The current treatment of mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) results in fewer cases of preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and macrosomia but seems to have no effect on neonatal hypoglycemia or future poor metabolic outcomes, concluded a systematic review and meta-analysis that summarized evidence about the benefits and harms of treating mild GDM.1
The incidence of GDM in the United States ranges from 1.1% to 25.5% of all pregnancies, with variations caused by differences in diagnostic criteria and patient characteristics.1 Initial management of GDM includes dietary modifications, glucose monitoring, and moderate exercise. If blood glucose levels remain uncontrolled, treatment with oral medication or insulin may be required.
Eleven studies were included in this review, 5 of which were randomized controlled trials and 6 of which were cohort studies in women with no history of diabetes mellitus. All of the included studies compared no treatment with diet modification, glucose monitoring, and as-needed insulin.
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http://hcp.obgyn.net/gestational-diabetes/content/article/1760982/2150482