DEFINITION

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), also known as type III diabetes mellitus, is one of the
most common type of diabetes mellitus and considered the most common complications of
pregnancy. This health problem is like pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) that develops
during pregnancy and disappears after the delivery of the fetus, or as maternal body returns to its
pre-pregnant state. Gestational diabetes mellitus may or may not with co-existing maternal
diabetes. It heightens the level of diabetes (if with previous diabetes) by a notch in response to
the rise in fetal carbohydrate demand. 40% of pregnant mothers who develops GDM will
eventually develop non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM or type II DM) within 5
years.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses
for a wide range of functions. These control many different bodily functions, including:
 Respiration
 Metabolism
 Reproduction
 Sensory perception
 Movement
 Sexual development
 Growth
Hormones are produced by glands and sent into the bloodstream to the various tissues in the
body. They send signals to those tissues to tell them what they are supposed to do. When the
glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many
aspects of life.
THE MAIN HORMONE-PRODUCING GLANDS ARE:
 Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is responsible for body temperature, hunger, moods
and the release of hormones from other glands; and also controls thirst, sleep and sex
drive.
 Pituitary: Considered the "master control gland," the pituitary gland controls other
glands and makes the hormones that trigger growth.
 Parathyroid: This gland controls the amount of calcium in the body. 
 Pancreas: This gland produces the insulin that helps control blood sugar levels.
  Thyroid: The thyroid produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate.
 
 Adrenal: Adrenal glands produce the hormones that control sex drive and cortisol, the
stress hormone.
 Pineal: This gland produces melatonin which affect sleep.
 Ovaries: Only in women, the ovaries secrete estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, the
female sex hormones.
 Testes: Only in men, the testes produce the male sex hormone, testosterone, and produce
sperm.
Some of the factors that affect endocrine organs include aging, certain diseases and conditions,
stress, the environment, and genetics.

Pancreas
The pancreas is an abdominal organ that is located behind the stomach and is surrounded by
other organs, including the spleen, liver and small intestine. The pancreas is about 6 inches
(15.24 centimeters) long, oblong and flat. 

The pancreas plays an important role in digestion and in regulating blood sugar.

Function of the pancreas

The pancreas serves two primary functions:

1. It makes enzymes to digest proteins, fats, and carbs in the intestines and produces the
hormones insulin and glucagon and;

2. Insulin has a well-known effect that decreases the concentration of glucose in blood. This
lowers blood sugar levels and allows the body's cells to use glucose for energy. 
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

MODIFIABLE NON MODIFIABLE

-Family History -Obesity

-Age ( more than 35 y/o) -Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Hyperglycemia

Increase insulin

Insulin Resistance

mother fetus

3 p’s increase blood glucose in the fetus

-polyuria
-polyphagia fetal pancreas increase insulin
-polydypsia
Increase growth of the fetus

Macrosomic baby