Thyroid dysfunction during gestation and gestational diabetes mellitus: a complex relationship

Purpose Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and thyroid dysfunction during gestation (GTD) are the two most prevalent endocrinopathies during pregnancy.

The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the peculiar aspects of GDM and GTD, to highlight the potential interactions and clinical consequences of these two frequent clinical conditions.

Methods A literature review regarding GDM and GTD was carried out with particular interest on meta-analyses and human studies dealing with the (i) shared risk factors between GDM and GTD, (ii) the epidemiological link between GTD and GDM, (iii) physiopathologic link between GTD and GDM, (iv) clinical consequences of GDM and GTD, and (v) post-partum implications of GDM and GTD.

Results The association between GDM and GTD is common and may be explained by the insulin-resistance state due to maternal GTD, to alterations in the placentation process or to the many shared risk factors.

Discrepant results of epidemiologic studies can be explained, at least in part, by the changes in diagnostic criteria and screening strategies throughout the years for both conditions.

GDM and GTD impact pregnancy outcome and have post-partum long-term consequences, but more studies are needed to prove an additional adverse effect.

Conclusions Based on the epidemiological and physio-pathological link between GDM and GTD, it could be suggested that a diagnosis of GTD could lead to screen GDM and the other way round.