American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is primarily aimed at managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. One significant benefit of effective treatment is indeed a reduced risk of complications associated with the pregnancy and its outcome.

When gestational diabetes is well-managed, it can decrease the likelihood of maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy, including conditions such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, can occur more frequently in women with unmanaged GDM due to the metabolic stresses of pregnancy and gestational diabetes itself. Hence, effective treatment and control of blood glucose levels have been shown to reduce this risk, resulting in better overall maternal health during and after pregnancy.

This connection emphasizes the importance of monitoring and intervention in cases where GDM is diagnosed, highlighting that managing glucose levels helps mitigate risks not only for the fetus but also for the mother in terms of acute conditions like preeclampsia.