A woman with gestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy asks what her glucose targets are. Which set of self-monitored targets is correct?
- A Fasting below 95 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 140 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 120 mg/dL ✓
- B Fasting below 100 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 155 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 130 mg/dL
- C Fasting below 110 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 165 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 145 mg/dL
- D Fasting below 90 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 130 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 110 mg/dL
Explanation
The accepted therapeutic targets in gestational diabetes are fasting capillary glucose below 95 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 140 mg/dL, and 2-hour postprandial below 120 mg/dL. These thresholds come from outcomes data showing excess macrosomia and neonatal adiposity above them. Option B lists values close to the older less stringent targets and option D is overly aggressive, raising hypoglycaemia risk without added benefit. Option C reflects ordinary non-pregnant diabetes goals and is unsafe in gestational diabetes.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.