Short-term implications of gestational diabetes mellitus: The neonate

Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy is responsible for significant complications in the fetus and neonate. Risk is higher in pregestational diabetes, but also if pure gestational diabetes (GDM) is not recognized and well managed. The current worldwide pandemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has devastating effects with T2D representing up to 25% of pregnancies with pregestational diabetes. ¹ The rate of fetal and neonatal complications in these pregnancies is not different to those affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D). Diabetes in pregnancy is still responsible for a significant perinatal mortality and morbidity in many countries. ²