Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） is defined as glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The pathogenesis of the disease is still largely unknown. GDM is a polygenic disease，being considered to result from interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Any abnormalities of steps or phases of glycometabolism may result in gestational diabetes. Common variants in several candidate genes （e. g. Glucokinase， Hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha， Insulin receptor substrate gene）have been demonstrated to increase the risk of GDM. This review focuses on the genetics of GDM.

Key words: Gestational diabetes mellitus, Pathogenesis, Gene