GDM
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Gestational diabetes mellitus |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
GDM stands for Gestational diabetes mellitus, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Diabetes first diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that was not clearly present before. US women are typically screened at 24–28 weeks, and treatment with diet, glucose monitoring and, if needed, insulin reduces large babies, birth injury and newborn low blood sugar.
Example: GDM diagnosed on 3-hour GTT at 27 weeks; diet controlled, fasting goal under 95 mg/dL.
Usage notes
Screening uses either a one-step 75 g glucose tolerance test or a two-step approach, starting with a 50 g glucose challenge followed by a 100 g test. Insulin is preferred over metformin or glyburide in many guidelines because it does not cross the placenta. About half of women with GDM later develop type 2 diabetes, so testing is repeated 4–12 weeks after delivery and then periodically.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- DST – Dexamethasone suppression test
- FNA – Fine-needle aspiration
- FPG – Fasting plasma glucose
- FSH – Follicle-stimulating hormone
- GAD – Glutamic acid decarboxylase (autoantibody)
- GD – Graves' disease
- GH – Growth hormone
- GHD – Growth hormone deficiency
- GMI – Glucose management indicator
- HHNK – Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic state
- HHS – Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
- HPA – Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (axis)
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.