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Although women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be identified for selective screening, in practice, most U.S. women are subject to universal screening for the condition, and treatment is begun once a diagnosis is made. Such practice patterns raise healthcare costs and carry theoretical risks for maternal and neonatal harms with unclear benefits. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review of 5 randomized trials and 6 retrospective cohort studies to determine the benefits and risks associated with treating GDM.
Preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and fetal macrosomia (birth weight >4000 g) were less common among women with GDM who received any form of treatment compared with those who did …