The relationship of gestational weight gain and development of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of gestational weight gain in women developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: In this retrospective case control study, singleton mothers with GDM (n=51) were compared with a control group (n=153) matched for age (±2 years), parity, booking visit BMI (±2 kg/m2). They were reviewed at delivery to identify sociodemographic risk factors and treatment modality if they were found to have GDM. Maternal weight at booking visit, at the end of 1st trimester and at the time of glucose tolerance testing was extracted from maternity records. Total gestational weight gain, and rate of weight gain per week during 1st and 2nd trimesters were the primary outcome data. Results: Having a 1st degree relative with diabetes had a significant association for development of GDM. No significant difference was observed in total weight gain or 2nd trimester weight gain between case and controls. However, weight gain during 1st trimester was significantly higher among mothers diagnosed with GDM when compared with controls. This difference was most significant among normal and overweight BMI categories. Out of the GDM group, although the mean rate of weight gain was higher in the pharmacotherapy sub group, there was no statistical significance compared with the group who was only on Medical Nutrition Therapy. Conclusions and recommendations: Gestational weight gain during first trimester was significantly higher among patients with GDM who were in the normal and overweight BMI categories compared to normal glucose tolerant individuals. Mothers with excessive 1st trimester weight gain should be carefully followed up for development of GDM.