Gestational Diabetes Mellitus In Population Research Articles

Prevalence and treatment of gestational diabetes in Norway 2010–2020

AimsEstimate prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its treatment in Norway 2010–2020 and explore impact of new national GDM guidelines in 2017. MethodsWe identified women giving birth in a nationwide cohort study using registers on births, prescriptions, education, primary and specialist care. For each year, we estimated prevalence of GDM overall, by BMI, age, education, and mother’s birthplace; proportions of GDM pregnancies receiving pharmacological treatment; and distribution of the gestational week when GDM was diagnosed. ResultsIn 633,169 pregnancies, prevalence of GDM increased from 2.6 % in 2010 to 6.0 % in 2016, then stabilized. Similar patterns were seen across strata of BMI, age, education, and maternal birthplace, although prevalence was higher with higher BMI, higher age, lower education, and mothers born in Asia, Africa, or Middle East. The proportion of the GDM population pharmacologically treated increased from 11.6 % in 2010 to 13.6 % in 2016 and 31.6 % in 2020. GDM was diagnosed in recommended gestational week 24–28 in 19 % versus 45 % of GDM pregnancies in 2010 and 2020, respectively. ConclusionsBoth the proportion diagnosed with GDM within recommended time of screening, and who received pharmacological treatment, increased substantially following new guidelines in 2017. Prevalence of GDM increased from 2010 to 2016, then plateaued.

Health promotion intervention among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus: penetration, participation, and baseline findings from the Face-it randomized controlled trial

IntroductionFace-it is a randomized controlled trial for women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their families designed to evaluate the effect of a health promotion intervention on type 2...

Maternal gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes in non-diabetic women

Objective This study investigated the relationship between maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)-negative pregnant women. Methods We did a retrospective cohort study between 1 July 2017, and 1 January 2020, at Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Firstly, pregnant women were divided into subgroups according to the entire GWG (inadequate GWG, adequate GWG, and excessive GWG) and GDM status (positive and negative) during pregnancy. Secondly, the whole population of pregnant women with GDM was used as a reference to evaluate the relationship between GWG and adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM-negative pregnant women. Lastly, subgroup analysis was conducted based on pre-pregnancy body mass index (pp-BMI). Results A total of 30,910 pregnant women were analysed. Included pregnancy women were divided into three groups based on GWG: 7569 (24.49%) pregnancy women had inadequate GWG, 13088 (42.34%) had adequate GWG, and 10,253 (33.17%) had excessive GWG. In addition to preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA), the incidence of macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA) continues to increase from inadequate GWG to excessive GWG groups. Pregnant women without GDM who have excessive GWG are at higher risk of macrosomia and LGA than pregnant women with GDM. Moreover, this risk increased with increasing pp-BMI. Pregnant women without GDM with inadequate GWG were at risk of preterm birth regardless of pp-BMI. Only those with inadequate GWG and pp-BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 had an increased risk of SGA. Conclusions In conclusion, inappropriate GWG is strongly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, even if they do not have GDM. Therefore, this population should receive attention and management before and during pregnancy. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Several studies have focused on the GDM population and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but few have focused on GDM-negative populations. This is because GDM-negative women are perceived to be "safe," leading to less focus on themselves, which can lead to subsequent excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Whether this factor increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in this population remains unknown. What do the results of this study add? Our study found an inverse relationship between GWG and GDM. Therefore, our study focuses on this group of GDM-negative pregnant women. Their excessive weight gain increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, even higher than GDM pregnant women. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? GWG is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, pregnant women without GDM also need increased attention and management of their weight before and during pregnancy. Prenatal care providers can utilise tools such as diet, exercise counselling, weight tracking, and setting weight gain goals to reduce inappropriate weight gain and mitigate its adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Independent and Joint Associations of Age, Pre-pregnancy BMI, and Gestational Weight Gain with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To explore the independent and combined effects of maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and gestational weight gain (GWG) on pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 2171 pregnant women with GDM attending the Women's Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively included. We compared pregnancy outcomes in different age, BMI, and GWG groups after adjusting for confounding variables. Results showed that (1) advanced maternal age increased the risk of primary Cesarean section and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in normal weight; (2) independent of age and GWG, high BMI significantly increased the risk of HDP, primary Cesarean section, and macrosomia; (3) Women with excessive GWG had a higher risk of primary Cesarean section and HDP, even they were ≤ 29 years old or normal weight, respectively; (4) Pregnant women with inadequate GWG had a higher risk of preterm birth and a lower risk of macrosomia in both the 30-34 age group and the normal weight group; (5) BMI was a better predictor of HDP than GWG among women younger than 30. Among the GDM population, women over the age of 35, overweight and obese, or with an excessive GWG were more prone to adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially primary Cesarean delivery and HDP.

Metformin: A promising option for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus - Exploring the benefits, challenges and clinical needs in the current management of gestational diabetes mellitus.

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing. One in three women require insulin to achieve glycaemic targets in GDM. However, it is unclear whether insulin therapy alone is the most effective treatment for all women in achieving glycaemic control and preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although no oral hypoglycaemic agents are approved for pregnancy in Australia, recent research indicates that metformin is effective in preventing adverse perinatal outcomes and may even have possible benefits in the long term. Furthermore, there appears to be a specific role for both metformin and insulin among the GDM population. Metformin provides an option to offer an individualised approach to treat GDM.

S100B Maternal Blood Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Are Birthweight, Gender and Delivery Mode Dependent.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the main causes of perinatal mortality/morbidity. Today, a parameter offering useful information on fetal central nervous system (CNS) development/damage is eagerly awaited. We investigated the role of brain-protein S100B in the maternal blood of GDM pregnancies by means of a prospective case–control study in 646 pregnancies (GDM: n = 106; controls: n = 530). Maternal blood samples for S100B measurement were collected at four monitoring time-points from 24 weeks of gestation to term. Data was corrected for gender and delivery mode and correlated with gestational age and weight at birth. Results showed higher (p < 0.05) S100B from 24 to 32 weeks and at term in GDM fetuses than controls. Higher (p < 0.05) S100B was observed in GDM male new-borns than in females from 24 to 32 weeks and at term, in GDM cases delivering vaginally than by caesarean section. Finally, S100B positively correlated with gestational age and weight at birth (R = 0.27; R = 0.37, respectively; p < 0.01). The present findings show the usefulness of S100B in CNS to monitor high-risk pregnancies during perinatal standard-of-care procedures. The results suggest that further investigations into its potential role as an early marker of CNS growth/damage in GDM population are needed.

Maternal Chromium Levels in Gestational Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The topic of maternal Chromium (Cr) levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has remained controversial; some studies have found lower levels of Cr in GDM population, whereas others found no significant changes in Cr status in GDM. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively synthesizing past studies to find the relationship of maternal Cr levels with GDM. The study protocol was registered at International prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (ID CRD42021272979). Strict adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis checklist, 2009 was followed during the entire study. Random-effect model for calculation of distribution of true effect sizes was used for the meta-analysis with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. The pooled Standard Mean Difference of control and GDM groups were compared using Z statistics with a P value of <.05 as significant. Six studies were included for the systematic review and four studies entered meta-analysis. The test of overall effect revealed that the pooled Cr values did not differ significantly between controls and GDM group (Z = 1.52, P =0.13). Heterogeneity between the studies was high (I2 = 97%). A subgroup analysis revealed that results varied as per place of study, trimester of pregnancy, and Cr estimation technique. Results from meta regression analysis revealed that sample size of individual studies (Q = 0.003, P =0.67) and year of publication of studies (Q = 0.22, P =.48) had no significant effect on the overall Standard Mean Difference. Factors such as ethnicity, lack of history of infection, and diet history can influence the results of this study.

Frequency of caesarean section in diabetic vs. non diabetic females undergoing induction of labour at term

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy characterized by glucose intolerance recognized during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcome. Majority of patients with diabetes had induction of labour at term (≥37weeks) to prevent maternal and fetal morbidity especially shoulder dystocia, macrosomia and intrauterine fetal death at term&#x0D; Objectives:&#x0D; &#x0D; To find frequency of gestational diabetes (GDM) in patients undergoing induction of labour.&#x0D; To compare the frequency of caesarean section in diabetic (GDM) and non-diabetic females undergoing induction of labour&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology:&#x0D; Study Type; It was a descriptive case series conducted at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shalamar Hospital Lahore. Duration of study was six months after approval from IRB.&#x0D; Sample size; Sample size of 214 cases undergoing induction of labour at term during study period; calculated with 95%confidence level and 3.4% margin of error and taking expected percentage of GDM is 6.9%.&#x0D; Sampling Technique; purposive sampling&#x0D; Methodology:&#x0D; 214 females who will fulfill the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study from labour room of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shalamar Hospital Lahore. Induction of labour done with tab prostin 3mg single dose and patients having gestational diabetes were identified and frequency of caesarean section in Diabetic and non-diabetic calculated.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; In current study, mean age of the patients was 27.8±4.4 years. Mean gestational age was 37.1±3.8 weeks and mean BMI was 28.6±4.1 kg/m2. Primigravida were 88 (41.1%) and multigravidas were 126 (58.9%). Gestational diabetes was found to be in 36 patients (16.8%). Caesarean section was performed in 77 patients (36%). Comparison of frequency of cesarean section in diabetic (GDM) and non-diabetic females undergoing induction of labour revealed majority of the caesarean sections performed in GDM patients (p=0.007).&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; In conclusion, our study found a higher incidence of cesarean section than normal delivery in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Major factors for operational delivery in GDM population included: advanced maternal age and high BMI value.

A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in Norway.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health problem and a threat to maternal and child health. There is a lack of integrated and systematically synthesized knowledge about the prevalence GDM in Norway. Therefore, this systemic review aimed to present the best available peer-reviewed published evidence from the past 20 years about the prevalence of GDM in Norway. A comprehensive literature search was performed on online databases consisting of PubMed (including Medline), Web of Science, and Scopus to retrieve original research articles published on the prevalence of GDM up to August 2020. Also, databases of Norart and SveMed+ in the Norwegian language were searched to enhance the search coverage. Data were extracted using a standardized protocol and data collection form and were presented narratively. A total of 11 studies were selected to include for data analysis and synthesis with the total sample size of 2,314,191 pregnant women. The studies included heterogenous populations and mostly reported the prevalence of GDM in healthy mothers with singleton pregnancies. The prevalence of GDM in population registered-based studies in Norway was reported to be lower than 2%, using the World Health Organization (WHO) 1999 criteria. However, studies on high-risk populations such as the non-European ethnicity reported prevalence rates ranging from 8% to 15%. Given the evidence from available literature that reported trends in the prevalence of GDM, an increase in the prevalence of GDM across most racial/ethnic groups studied in Norway was observed. Overall, the prevalence of GDM in the low risk population of Norway is fairly low, but the available literature supports the perspective that the prevalence of GDM has shown an increasing trend in recent decades. This finding is very important for health service planning and evaluation, policy development, and research in Norway. Large-scale prospective studies, using the national data, are warranted to provide firm evidence over coming years. Our review findings can help policy makers devise appropriate strategies for improving women’s reproductive health.

Restricted gestational weight gain in overweight/obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy outcomes

Purpose of Investigation: Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This retrospective study examined the effects of GDM treatment on pregnancy outcomes and gestational weight gain (GWG) among overweight/obese women. Materials and Methods: This study included 1,936 women with singleton pregnancies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Pearson’s chi-square tests were performed to the association of interest. Results: Overweight/obese women had higher rates of adverse outcomes than normal weight women. In overweight/obese group, women with GDM had a lower risk of primary cesarean section, instrumental delivery, and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than women without GDM. Overweight/obese women with GDM had lower GWG than those without GDM and the prevalence of excessive GWG was also lower among overweight/obese women with GDM than those without GDM. Conclusion: Diet and exercise interventions improved pregnancy outcomes and limited GWG in overweight/obese women with GDM. Lower GWG limits may be more applicable to GDM population.

Gestational diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular disease in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an elevated lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, a series of studies has suggested that women with GDM also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it is unclear if this risk is dependent upon the intercurrent development of type 2 diabetes. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of GDM on future risk of incident CVD and to ascertain the role of type 2 diabetes in this regard. We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for observational studies that evaluated the association of GDM with subsequent CVD, with publication between 1 January 1950 and 30 August 2018. Two independent reviewers extracted data and the analysis was performed in accordance with Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. RRs were calculated using a random-effects model to assess the predictive value of GDM for future cardiovascular events. To evaluate whether incident type 2 diabetes in the GDM population influenced the association with CVD, we used meta-regression models followed by sensitivity analyses restricted to women who did not develop type 2 diabetes during follow-up. A pooled analysis of nine studies yielded data from 5,390,591 women (101,424 cardiovascular events). Compared with those who did not have GDM, women with GDM had a twofold higher risk of future cardiovascular events (RR 1.98 [95% CI 1.57, 2.50]). Meta-regression analysis showed that the rates of incident type 2 diabetes across the studies did not affect this risk (p = 0.34). Moreover, when restricted to women who did not develop type 2 diabetes, GDM remained associated with a 56% higher risk of future cardiovascular events (RR 1.56 [95% CI 1.04, 2.32]). GDM conferred a 2.3-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events in the first decade postpartum (RR 2.31 [95% CI 1.57, 3.39]). The diagnosis of GDM identifies young women who have a twofold higher risk of cardiovascular events postpartum compared with their peers. This risk is not dependent upon intercurrent type 2 diabetes and is apparent within the first decade after pregnancy. Thus, even without progressing to type 2 diabetes, women with GDM comprise an at-risk population for CVD and hence a potential opportunity for early risk factor surveillance and risk modification.

Screening for Gestational Diabetes by DIPSI Guidelines

Aim and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to find out the role and effectiveness of DIPSI guidelines as a replacement for other more time consuming and cost effective methods for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the Indian population and to compare outcome between GDM and non GDM population.Methods: A total of 345 women were selected of low risk category between the gestational ages of 24 to 28 weeks and were subjected to screening for gestational diabetes by DIPSI guidelines. A 75mg oral glucose load was given irrespective of their last Meal timing followed by blood glucose estimation by glucose oxidase – peroxidase method. A report of ≥140mg/dl were labeled as GDM as per DIPSI guidelines.Results: Out of 345 subjects screened, 30 (8.7%) were positive for GDM. The false positives encountered with DIPSI were 0.57% (2/345) and another 2 cases (0.57%) were false negative by DIPSI criteria. The rate of LSCS and rate of macrosomia was significantly higher in GDM population (30% and 33.33% respectively) as compared to general population (4.4% and 2.5% respectively). In GDM group 23.3% (7) had Shoulder Dystocia compared with 0.6% (2) in the normal population. 10% were breech compared with only 0.2% in the general population with 1 IUFD requiring hysterotomy. The rates of CPD were also higher (3.3%) than the general population (1.5%). A total of 19 neonates required NICU admission of which 11 were IDM. 36.66% of IDM required NICU admission as compared to only 2.5% of the non diabetic population.Conclusions: DIPSI guidelines can use as a replacement for other more resource and time consuming and costly methods like ADA criteria for the detection of GDM in the low resource settings in developing countries.

Metformin as a prophylactic treatment of gestational diabetes in pregnant patients with pregestational insulin resistance: A randomized study.

We aimed to assess the use of metformin (MTF) in the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in patients with pregestational insulin resistance (PIR). A double blind, multicenter, randomized trial was carried out in patients with a history of PIR and pregestational MTF treatment. Groups were allocated either to MTF 1700 mg/day or placebo. Patients were recruited between 12+0 and 15+6 gestational weeks, and treatment was extended until week 36. A multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the relation between the use of metformin and the development of GDM. One hundred and forty one patients were randomized (68 patients in the MTF group and 73 in the placebo group). A total of 30 patients withdrew from the study during follow-up. Administration of MTF was not associated with a decrease in the incidence of GDM as compared to placebo (37.5% vs 25.4%, respectively; P = 0.2). Moreover, MTF administration was associated with a significant increase in drug intolerance as compared to placebo (14.3% vs 1.8%, respectively; P = 0.02). The use of MTF is not effective in prevention of GDM in populations with PIR. The use of MTF shows a significantly higher frequency of drug intolerance than placebo.

Labour in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) constitutes one of the most common pregnancy complications and affects 3-5% of all pregnancies, with its incidence still growing. Due to possible maternal and fetal complications, the peripartum management of GDM patients continues to be a debatable issue. The aim of the study was to analyse the course and final way of delivery in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. The effectiveness of induction of labour (IOL) was also assessed and factors predisposing to cesarean section were identified. The study group consisted of 204 women with GDM who delivered in the Academic Centre for Woman's and Neonate's Health in Warsaw over the years 2013 and 2014. The indications and ratios of elective and intrapartum cesarean sections were analysed. Patients qualified for induction of labour were compared depending on their final way of delivery. Over a half of all deliveries in the study group (53%) were cesarean sections. Elective surgeries accounted for 70% of all cesarean sections, predominantly due to a history of previous operational deliveries. Only 12% of the study group developed spontaneous uterine contractions and delivered vaginally. A comparison of the vaginal delivery group (n = 96) with cesarean section group (n = 108) pointed to high pregestational BMI value and advanced maternal age as factors increasing the patient's risk for surgical delivery (p = 0.0000 and p = 0.048 accordingly). The comparison of women undergo-ing IOL vs. omen with spontaneous uterine contractions showed no increase in the ratio of intrapartum cesarean sections in the IOL group - in both subgroups vaginal delivery was achieved in 75% of cases. Patients with GDM are more likely to undergo cesarean section, but the implementation of induction of labour at term does not further aggravate this risk. Major risk factors for operational delivery in GDM population included: advanced maternal age, high pregestational BMI value and undergoing insulin therapy.

Factors influencing the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Omani patients

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk factors identification and modifying them appropriately will assist in reducing the incidence of maternal and fetal complications for high-risk individuals. Aim: The present cross-sectional case–control multicentered study was conducted with an objective to understand the modifiable risk factors in GDM patients of different regions in Oman. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by involving 291 women diagnosed with GDM and 300 normal pregnant women with euglycemia. Primary information including body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), history of pregnancy complications, diet, lifestyle, exercise, occupation, education, and use of steroids was collected by face-to-face interview with an assistance of staff nurse working at respective hospitals. Secondary information was collected from hospital records. Results: GDM cases on an average have 5.47 kg body weight significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control group. A maximum number of GDM cases were seen in women with waist circumference of more than 99.9 cm having a significant (P < 0.001) mean difference of 6.4 cm between GDM and normal population.;Deg;BM;Deg;I of GDM population was significantly (P < 0.001) higher 30.59 ± 7 kg/m2 compared to 27.89 ± 6.93 kg/m2 of normal population with a likelihood ratio of 300.85. The use of corticosteroids significantly is seen to be associated with an increase in the incidence of GDM (P < 0.001). Physical inactivity has significantly (P < 0.001) increase the risk of GDM by 3.7 times. Whereas walking for more than 30 min/day has significantly reduced the GDM risk by 0.356 times. Prior history of stillbirth is significantly (P < 0.05) associated with GDM cases compared to control. Conclusion: Screening of patients for GDM and following a strategy to modify the identified risk factors will be advantageous and may help to identify those most likely to benefit from intervention.

Neonatal and obstetric outcomes in diet- and insulin-treated women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study

BackgroundTo evaluate the neonatal and obstetric outcomes of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Screening and treatment – diet-only versus additional insulin therapy – were based on the 2010 national Dutch guidelines.MethodsRetrospective study of the electronic medical files of 820 singleton GDM pregnancies treated between January 2011 and September 2014 in a university and non-university hospital. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between regular care treatment regimens –diet-only versus additional insulin therapy- and pregnancy outcomes of the Northern region of the Netherlands served as a reference population.ResultsA total of 460 women (56 %) met glycaemic control on diet-only and 360 women (44 %) required additional insulin therapy. Between the groups, there were no differences in perinatal complications (mortality, birth trauma, hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoglycaemia), small for gestational age, large for gestational age (LGA), neonate weighing >4200 g, neonate weighing ≥4500 g, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, respiratory support, preterm delivery, and admission to the neonatology department. Neonates born in the insulin-group had a lower birth weight compared with the diet-group (3364 vs. 3467 g, p = 0.005) and a lower gestational age at birth (p = 0.001). However, birth weight was not different between the groups when expressed in percentiles, adjusted for gestational age, gender, parity, and ethnicity. The occurrence of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension was comparable between the groups. In the insulin-group, labour was more often induced and more planned caesarean sections were performed (p = 0.001). Compared with the general obstetric population, the percentage of LGA neonates was higher in the GDM population (11.0 % vs.19.9 %, p = <0.001).ConclusionsNeonatal and obstetric outcomes were comparable either with diet-only or additional insulin therapy. However, compared with the general obstetric population, the incidence of LGA neonates was significantly increased in this GDM cohort.

Possibility to predict early postpartum glucose abnormality following gestational diabetes mellitus based on the results of routine mid-gestational screening.

IntroductionWomen with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have increased risk of developing glucose abnormality, but current diagnostic criteria are evidence-based for adverse pregnancy outcome. The aims of our study were: (i) to ascertain a frequency of early conversion of GDM into permanent glucose abnormality, (ii) to determine predictive potential of current GDM diagnostic criteria for prediction of postpartum glucose abnormality and (iii) to find optimal cut-off values of oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) to stratify GDM population according to postpartum risk.Materials and methodsElectronic medical records of an ethnically homogenous cohort of women diagnosed and treated for GDM in a single medical centre during the period 2005–2011 who completed postpartum oGTT up to 1 year after the index delivery were retrospectively analysed (N = 305).ResultsPostpartum glucose abnormality was detected in 16.7% subjects. Mid-trimester oGTT values, respective area under the curve and HbA1c were significantly associated with early postpartum glucose abnormality (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney) and exhibited significant predictive potential for postpartum glucose abnormality risk assessment. Optimal cut-off values for discrimination of at-risk sub-population were identified using ROC analysis and their comparison with WHO and IADPSG criteria exhibited superiority of IADPSG for risk-stratification of GDM population.ConclusionRisk-based stratification at the time of GDM diagnosis could improve efficiency of the post-gestational screening for diabetes. IADPSG criteria seem to optimally capture both perinatal and maternal metabolic risks and are therefore medically and economically justified.

Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy in Mediterranean women

New diagnostic criteria have recently been proposed that will result in a higher proportion of individuals being diagnosed as suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) than previously. The present circum-Mediterranean study sets out to identify the relevance of the new criteria in this population. The study was a prospective, non-interventional, multicentre study in the Mediterranean region. A convenient sample of 1,368 pregnant women was recruited. All participants underwent a 75 g oGTT subdivided into five different glycaemic categories. The women's anthropomorphic and biological data, together with obstetric and infant outcomes, were collected. There was a threefold increase in diagnosis using the new criteria. Most of the biological characteristics generally associated with GDM showed high specificity and low sensitivity values. The biological characteristics, including maternal age, BMI and FBG, showed a progressive increase as a function of maternal glycaemia with moderate sensitivity and specificity values. Using these latter characteristics in combination ensures that 72.3 % of the GDM population would be correctly identified, while an oGTT would only be required in 18.7 % of the population. The progressive relationship of increasing glycaemia to adverse characteristics suggests that the new IADPSG criteria are reasonable provided that dietary advice is given to all pregnant women. In situations of economic restraints, it appears possible to screen Mediterranean women for GDM risk using a composite model using FBG >5.0 mmol/l combined with the performance of an oGTT in women with a low FBG but who are overweight and aged >30 years.

Better understanding and new insight of genetic risk loci for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and women with GDM are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus1. Uncomplicated pregnancy is characterized by insulin resistance and enhanced insulin secretion as a compensatory mechanism to maintain normal glucose tolerance (NGT). However, previous studies showed that in women with GDM during pregnancy, the decreased sensitivity of insulin is at a similar level to NGT, but with more pronounced insulin resistance than NGT. These phenomena might contribute to hyperglycemia in addition to defective insulin release2. Furthermore, women with a history of GDM have been considered a high‐risk group for diabetes mellitus. A study reported from Korea showed that Korean women with a history of GDM have a four‐ to fivefold greater risk of developing postpartum diabetes than the general population (Figure 1). The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus within 30 years), prepregnant body mass index (>23 kg/m2), family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, fasting glucose level at the time of GDM diagnosis (>5.8 mmol/L) and early diagnosis of GDM during pregnancy (<26 weeks)3. In contrast, the putative risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Korean population include (but are not limited to) old age, urban living, female sex, obesity, smoking, family history of diabetes, impaired liver function, metabolic syndrome, elevated blood pressure and increased triglycerides4. Although all the risk factors have yet to be identified, the aforementioned variables are the key risk factors for diabetes mellitus in Koreans. Most of these risk factors have also been identified as key risk factors in other places including Europe, South America, North America and Africa. As previously mentioned, some of the risk factors, such as family history of diabetes, lipid profile, high blood pressure and obesity, are common risk factors of both type 2 diabetes mellitus and GDM. Thus, one could question whether GDM is another type of diabetes mellitus or a simple identification of existing type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy when physical, metabolic and psychological changes occur dramatically. It was very difficult to answer the question until the advancement of the Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS), which enabled the investigation of genetic background. The genome‐wide association (GWA) approach is an emerging methodology that allows us to identify genetic variants with specific loci that predispose individuals to complex traits and/or diseases.

Abstracts from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) meetings

Abstracts from the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) meetings