Diabetes gestacional: complejidad y efecto en el desarrollo del embarazo.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrinological disease or disorder and has a high incidence on the development of pregnancy. This disease occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, to manage the additional demands of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but is diagnosed with most frequently between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. “Globally, approximately one in ten pregnancies can be related to diabetes, and 90% of these cases are attributed to gestational diabetes.” (PAHO, 2015) However, the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) shows a wide variability. In Europe, reported figures fluctuate between 2% and 6%. In the United States, An increase in the prevalence rate has been observed, affecting between 7% and 18% of pregnant women. In Latin America, various studies indicate that GDM is found between 10% and 33%, these being the highest rates globally. (Rodas Torres, Mawyin Judge, Gómez González, & Rodríguez, 2018) The situation of gestational diabetes in Ecuador is a relevant issue in the field of maternal and fetal health. Although there are no specific updated statistics on the prevalence of gestational diabetes in the country, it is estimated that its incidence is increasing, as in other countries worldwide.