Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications—A Comprehensive Review

Rukhsana Bhat; Aamir Rather

Rukhsana Bhat Research Officer, Department of Endocrinology, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Aamir Rather Research Scholar, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Keywords: Pregnancy, Insulin, Beta-cells, Pathophysiology, Gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Several physiologic, hormonal, and molecular processes contribute to the emergence of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy. Increased insulin resistance is seen during the course of a healthy pregnancy. During the early stages of normal pregnancies, the pancreatic beta-cells secrete more insulin, which slows the rise in plasma glucose levels. This regulation explains the abnormally modest increases in plasma glucose levels brought on by elevated insulin resistance. The aim of this review was to evaluate the role of insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The authors extensively searched various electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for the collection of material regarding the role of insulin resistance in GDM. It was seen that hyperglycaemia results from the combination of the pregnancy’s increased insulin tolerance and pancreatic beta-cell insufficiency. Scientific studies have revealed that individuals who present with GDM are more likely to acquire chronic insulin resistance because of the superimposition of lower insulin production by the cells in that condition (GDM). Due to their significance in the development of postpartum diabetes mellitus, inflammation markers in GDM have been widely researched. Inflammation during GDM induces adaptive reactions in the placenta, which can have a substantial effect on the programming of foetal development.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202612

How to cite this article:

Bhat R, Rather A. Insulin Resistance in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Implications—A Comprehensive Review. Epidem Int. 2026;11(3):1-6.

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