Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Early prediction is crucial for implementing timely interventions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of endogenous non-coding RNAs with covalently closed loop structures, have emerged as promising biomarkers due to their high stability, abundance in plasma, and tissue specificity. This review explores the potential of circRNAs as diagnostic tools for early prediction of GDM. We analyze the mechanisms through which circRNAs modulate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, highlight recent studies identifying specific circRNA signatures in early pregnancy, and discuss their potential clinical applications. The integration of circRNA profiling in prenatal care could revolutionize GDM prediction, enabling precision medicine approaches to maternal health.
