Published online Jun 10, 2015. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v6.i5.734
Peer-review started: August 28, 2014
First decision: December 17, 2014
Revised: January 29, 2015
Accepted: March 16, 2015
Article in press: March 18, 2015
Published online: June 10, 2015
Processing time: 295 Days and 0.3 Hours
Core tip: Increased mortality and morbidity are historically attributed to neonates of diabetic mothers. A discerning analysis of the literature shows that these adverse outcomes are uncommon among infants born from “pure” gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mothers, well managed during pregnancy. Macrosomia is the predominant adverse outcome and the main factor linked to neonatal complications. Poor maternal glycemic control, especially in the context of maternal type 2 diabetes and obesity increases the risk of all adverse neonatal outcomes, most strikingly the risk of perinatal mortality and birth defects. Developing strategies for screening and managing women with GDM must be encouraged notably in middle and low income countries and, also to limit the adverse effects on global health population in the future.