Gestational Diabetes

Engaging in regular vigorous physical activity before pregnancy reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

The prevalence of GDM has been increasing over the past 8 years by 12% per year.

Mean plasma glucose concentrations increased by 0.5 mg/dL for each cigarette smoked per day.

Increases in maternal body mass index and decreases in maternal smoking are behind the increasing trend in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births.