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Aim: Gestational diabetes (GD) is a global health concern with significant implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study investigates the association between early GD (eGD) diagnosis (<24 weeks), pharmacotherapy requirements and adverse neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 369 pregnant women underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. Maternal variables, pharmacotherapy prescriptions and neonatal outcomes were analysed employing t‐tests, χ2 tests, and logistic regression. A p <.05 was considered significant. Results: Early GD increased the odds of neonatal hypoglycaemia [odds ratio (OR): 18.57, p =.013] and respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 4.75, p =.034). Nutritional therapy prescription by an accredited nutritionist was the most common treatment in women diagnosed after 24 weeks, but those with eGD required more frequently specialized nutritional consulting + metformin to achieve glycaemic control (p =.027). eGD was associated with a higher requirement of nutritional therapy prescription + metformin (OR: 2.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.25‐4.09, p =.007) and with maternal hyperglycaemia during the post‐partum period at 2 h of the oral glucose tolerance test (OR: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.02‐1.13, p =.024). Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and personalized treatment of GD are desirable because an earlier presentation is related to a higher risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]