Diabetes is a very common chronic illness that is the fourth leading cause of death in most developed countries. The case of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is of particular interest. It occurs during pregnancy due to increased resistance to insulin. The precise mechanisms underlying it remain unknown. About 4% of pregnant omen incur in this sort of complication. The current approach includes a planned diet, exercise and self-blood lucose monitoring tests that can be administered at home. In several cases the doctor requires that the patient visits the dietician twice per week. However, often two checks every week are not enough: as if the hyperglycemia last for more than one day, this may cause macrosomia (excessive growth of the fetus). Thus, in this cases it is important to act as fast as possible to prevent any serious complication to the mother and the baby, by normalizing the blood pressure and glucose levels with appropriate and quick treatment. 

[read on]