Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2018, 8, 400-407 http://www.scirp.org/journal/ojog ISSN Online: 2160-8806 ISSN Print: 2160-8792 DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2018.84045 Apr. 25, 2018 400 Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Management of Gestational Diabetes Ayesha Anwar 1* , Kashif Ahmad 1 , Evdokia Karagianni 1 , Stephen Lindow 2 1 North Cumbria University Hospitals, NHS Trust, Carlisle, UK 2 Sidra Medical and Research Center, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Doha, Qatar Abstract Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance that begins or is first recognized during pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM is on the rise due to increasing trends of obesity in females of child bearing age as well as due to increasing maternal age. Women at higher risk should be routinely screened of the condition and offered appropriate management in order to avoid fetal and maternal complications. GDM is associated with higher inci- dence of maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy and labour. There is a significant relationship between GDM and prediabetic states as well as high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of management is to keep glycaemic levels within specific targets to avoid adverse outcomes. Im- proved health related quality of life has been linked with treatment of gesta- tional diabetes with active lifestyle, glucose monitoring and use of insulin. Historically, non pharmacological intervention and insulin have been the main approaches in management of GDM, though recently there is an emerging evidence of use of oral hypoglycemic agents. In this article we have reviewed the existing evidence and recommendations in management of GDM. Keywords Gestational Diabetes, Pregnancy, Management 1. Introduction Gestational diabetes (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance that begins or is first recognized during pregnancy (WHO 2017). Gestational Diabetes is es- timated to be present in 5% - 15% of pregnant women, though these figures vary greatly among different ethnic groups [1]. It is growing health concern world- wide. As there is a strong association of GDM and maternal obesity, the prevalence of GDM is on rise with epidemic of growing obesity and widespread sedentary How to cite this paper: Anwar, A., Ahmad, K., Karagianni, E. and Lindow, S. (2018) Medical Management of Gestational Di- abetes. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 8, 400-407. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojog.2018.84045 Received: March 7, 2018 Accepted: April 22, 2018 Published: April 25, 2018 Copyright © 2018 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Open Access