Is there a benefit to the treatment of mild gestational diabetes mellitus?

Despite widespread acceptance of the value of screening for and treating gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the United States, evidence concerning a benefit to this approach has been lacking. Confounding variables have specifically raised the question as to whether mild forms of carbohydrate intolerance are associated with increased perinatal and maternal risks. The findings of 2 recently conducted large-scale randomized clinical trials both indicate significant reductions in fetal overgrowth, shoulder dystocia, and preeclampsia with treatment. Thus, compelling evidence now exists that the benefit outweighs risks associated with the treatment of mild GDM.