Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Across the Perinatal Continuum: A Narrative Review of Woman-Centered, Holistic Care Models

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) represents a significant public health concern due to its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, as well as elevated long-term metabolic risks. Its prevalence varies substantially depending on the diagnostic criteria used and the population studied. Women with GDM frequently experience heightened stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, underscoring the need for accessible information, counseling, and ongoing support to navigate glucose monitoring, dietary adjustments, and treatment regimens. Although clinical management has been extensively studied, research has largely focused on metabolic monitoring and therapeutic interventions, often underemphasizing prevention strategies, women’s informational needs, and maternal psychological well-being. Emerging evidence and international guidelines increasingly advocate for integrating these components into structured, woman-centered GDM care plans that actively involve families. Such approaches empower women to engage in self-management, enhance health literacy, support adherence to lifestyle and pharmacological interventions, and promote sustainable behavioral changes. This narrative review presents a comprehensive, holistic model of care across the perinatal continuum, emphasizing early risk identification, preventive strategies, and multidisciplinary coordination. Core elements include individualized antenatal education, empathetic communication, and family engagement, fostering self-efficacy, continuity of care, and integration of medical, educational, and psychosocial interventions. Equipping healthcare professionals with the competencies to deliver this holistic, woman-centered framework is essential to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes and mitigate the long-term health consequences of GDM.