**Abstract**

Pregnancy is usually a joyous event for most women and their families in many cultures. However, in certain situations, this celebratory moment is marred by various maternal complications; chief among them is diabetes mellitus. Over eighty percent of diabetes in pregnancy is attributed to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Also, GDM presents a higher risk of affected mothers developing diabetes later in the future. There is a growing prevalence of GDM which necessitates the need for closer monitoring and more screening of pregnant women. This can be achieved by following set guidelines of countries and public health organisations to ensure safer pregnancies, safer deliveries, and healthier babies.

**Keywords:** gestational diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy, complications of pregnancy, pre-existing diabetes, management of GDM
