Metformin reduces the complications of gestational diabetes mellitus but its long-term effects on offspring require further study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can lead to serious complication during pregnancy both for the pregnant person and the developing offspring. Intensive lifestyle intervention, including diet and exercise, is effective in managing this disorder, although pharmacotherapy (typically insulin) will still be required in approximately a quarter of these patients. Recent studies have shown that metformin can also be efficacious in reducing complications associated with GDM, however, longer-term safety data in offspring are still required.