From Standard of Care to Emerging Innovations: Navigating the Evolution of Pharmacological Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) continues to increase in the United States and globally. While the first-line treatment of GDM remains diet and exercise, 30% of patients with GDM will require pharmacotherapy. However, many controversies remain over the specific glycemic threshold values at which pharmacotherapy should be started, how intensified the therapy should be, and whether oral agents are effective in GDM and remain safe for long-term offspring health. This review will summarize recently completed and ongoing trials focused on GDM pharmacotherapy, including those examining different glycemic thresholds to initiate therapy and treatment intensity.

Key Points

• The incidence of GDM continues to increase in the United States and globally.

• While the first-line treatment of GDM remains diet, 30% of patients require pharmacotherapy.

• Controversies remain over the specific glycemic threshold values at which pharmacotherapy is needed.

• Another controversy is how tightly to control GDM.

• Additional controversies are the safety of metformin and incretins in terms of offspring's long-term health.

Keywords

gestational diabetes - pharmacologic treatment - insulin - metformin - incretins

Each author has indicated that they have met the journal's requirements for authorship.

Publication History

Received: 15 April 2024

Accepted: 27 August 2024

Article published online:
27 September 2024

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