An overview of diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with obesity

Rates of obesity are increasing world-wide with an estimated 1billion people projected to be obese by 2030 if current trends remain unchanged. Obesity currently considered one of the most significant associated factors of non-communicable diseases poses the greatest threat to health. Diabetes mellitus is an important metabolic disorder closely associated with obesity. It is therefore expected that with the increasing rates of obesity, the rates of diabetes in pregnancy will also be rising. This disorder may pre-date pregnancy (diagnosed or undiagnosed and diagnosed for the first time in pregnancy) or may be of onset in pregnancy. Irrespective of the timing of onset, diabetes in pregnancy is associated with both fetal and maternal complications. Outcomes are much better if control is maximised. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and tailored management with optimum glycaemic control is associated with a significant reduction in not only pregnancy complications but long-term consequences on both the mother and offspring. This review brings together the current understanding of the pathogenesis of the endocrine derangements that are associated with diabetes in pregnancy how screening should be offered and management including pre-pregnancy care and the role of newer agents in management.