Description:
Trends identified when estimating global prevalence suggest the world is facing a pandemic of diabetes mellitus. Consequently a rapid increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus is expected.This volume provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of the scientific and clinical characteristics of gestational diabetes as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. Throughout the book the authors adopt a multidisciplinary approach and cover aspects such as etiology, physiology, molecular biology and genetics, immunology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and management, pathology and evidence-based medicine. The role of the placenta as a fetal organ at the interface between mother and fetus is covered in depth.Basic scientists and medical researchers will find several chapters reviewing the basis of our understanding of many aspects of the disease ranging from maternal endocrinology to fuel-mediated functional teratogenesis. Obstetricians, perinatologists and health care professionals dealing with diabetes and pregnancy and the offspring of diabetic mothers will gain profound insights into current concepts in the clinical management of diabetic pregnancy including preconception diagnosis and care, and the overall perspectives when complications arise during diabetes and pregnancy as well as potential complications during diabetic pregnancy and delivery