What is the Difference Between Gestational Diabetes and Diabetes Mellitus?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are two different types of diabetes that can affect individuals. The main differences between them are their causes, risk factors, and the fact that GDM typically resolves after pregnancy. Here are the key differences:

Cause: Gestational diabetes is caused by hormones produced during pregnancy that can make insulin less effective, a condition referred to as insulin resistance. In contrast, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is caused by an absolute lack of insulin, while Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is caused by the body's inability to make enough insulin or respond to it effectively.
Risk Factors: Risk factors for gestational diabetes include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, and being older than 25 years during pregnancy. Risk factors for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus include having a family history of the condition, being exposed to certain viruses, and having certain genetic markers. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of the condition, and being older than 40 years.
Duration: Gestational diabetes generally occurs late in pregnancy and disappears following delivery. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, on the other hand, are chronic conditions that persist throughout a person's life.
Symptoms: Gestational diabetes often doesn't produce symptoms or they may be mild, such as increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can include increased thirst, urination, and blurred vision.
Complications: Gestational diabetes can lead to complications such as macrosomia (large baby) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in the baby. Complications of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can include heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
Treatment: Gestational diabetes is often managed through diet, nutrition therapy, and sometimes insulin injections. Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus treatment can involve insulin injections, medications, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

In summary, gestational diabetes is a temporary condition caused by hormones during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery, while Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and Type 2) are chronic conditions with different causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches.

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What is the Difference Between Gestational Diabetes and Diabetes Mellitus?

Comparative Table: Gestational Diabetes vs Diabetes Mellitus

Here is a table comparing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Diabetes Mellitus:

Feature	Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)	Diabetes Mellitus
Definition	A condition of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy.	A chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels, caused by the body's inability to produce or properly use insulin.
Onset	Occurs during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester.	Occurs throughout life, not limited to pregnancy.
Diagnosis	Diagnosed based on a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with plasma glucose levels of ≥5.1 mmol/L (92 mg/dl) (fasting), ≥10 mmol/L (180 mg/dl) at 1 hour, and ≥8.5 mmol/L (153 mg/dl) at 2 hours.	Diagnosed based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or glycated hemoglobin (A1C) tests.
Prevalence	Affects approximately 6% of pregnancies in the United States.	Affects a large portion of the population worldwide, with varying prevalence depending on factors like age, weight, and ethnicity.
Risk Factors	Increased maternal age, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, family history of diabetes, ethnicity (higher risk for Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Black women).	Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, age, family history of diabetes, ethnicity (higher risk for certain populations).
Treatment	Initial treatment consists of diet and exercise. If necessary, insulin or other medications may be used to manage blood glucose levels.	Treatment includes lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and medications like insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, depending on the type of diabetes.
Prognosis	Women with a history of GDM have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.	People with diabetes have a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management to prevent complications.

Please note that this table is not exhaustive and only highlights some key differences between gestational diabetes and diabetes mellitus.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.