A 28-year-old primigravida at 24 weeks gestation undergoes a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes screening. Her fasting blood glucose is 92 mg/dL, 1-hour value is 178 mg/dL, and 2-hour value is 155 mg/dL. She is diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Regarding the management and outcomes of GDM, all of the following are TRUE EXCEPT: