Maternal Fasting Research Articles

Maternal Factors in Pregnancy and Ethnicity Influence Childhood Adiposity, Cardiac Structure, and Function.

ImportanceThe links between maternal and offspring adiposity and metabolic status are well established. There is much less evidence for the impact of these relationships combined with ethnic background on cardiac structure and function in childhood.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that ethnicity, maternal adiposity and glycemic status, and child adiposity affect cardiac structure and function.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingA single-center mother-child cohort study. The cohort is a subset of the international multi-center Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study.ParticipantsThis study included 101 healthy pre-pubertal British-born children [56 White Europeans (WEs) and 45 South Asians (SAs)] with a median age of 9.1 years, range 6.0–12.2 years, at the time of the investigation.Main Outcomes and MeasuresAnthropometric and echocardiographic measurements were made on the cohort. Maternal pregnancy and birth data were available. Relationships between maternal parameters (BMI and glucose status), child adiposity, and echo measures were assessed.ResultsDespite no ethnic difference in BMI SDS at a median age of 9.1 years, SA children exhibited higher levels of body fat than WE children (whole body, right arm, and truncal fat all p < 0.001). SA children also exhibited greater changes in weight and height SDS but not BMI SDS from birth than WE children. As expected, maternal BMI correlated with child BMI (r = 0.28; p = 0.006), and body fat measures (e.g., whole body fat r = 0.25; p = 0.03). Maternal fasting glucose levels were associated with child body fat measures (r = 0.22–0.28; p = 0.02–0.05). Left ventricular (LV) indices were not different between SA and WE children, but E/A and E′/A′ (measures of diastolic function) were lower in SA when compared with WE children. LV indices correlated positively to BMI SDS and body fat markers only in SA children. Maternal fasting and 2-h glucose were negatively correlated with E′/A′ in SA children (r = −0.53, p = 0.015, and r = −0.49, p = 0.023, respectively) but not in WE children.Conclusion and RelevanceSA and WE children exhibit differences in adiposity and diastolic function at a median age of 9.1 years. Novel relationships between maternal glycemia, child adiposity, and cardiac structure and function, present only in SA children, were identified.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and cardio-metabolic risk factors in women and children at 3 years postpartum

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is thought to be associated with cardio-metabolic risk factor development in women and their children during the early postpartum period and early childhood. We hypothesized that these women and their children would exhibit increased abnormal cardio-metabolic risk factors three years after pregnancy.MethodsWomen from the Screening Tests to Predict Poor Outcomes of Pregnancy study were invited to attend a follow-up with the child from their index pregnancy at 3 years postpartum. Women and children were assessed for anthropometric measures and haemodynamic function. Fasting blood samples were obtained from women to assess lipid and glucose status.ResultsA total of 281 woman-child dyads participated in the 3-year follow-up, with 40 women developing GDM during their index pregnancy. Fasting serum insulin was higher in women with GDM in index pregnancy compared to those with an uncomplicated pregnancy. However, this association was mediated by early pregnancy BMI and socioeconomic index (SEI). The rate of metabolic syndrome was higher in the GDM group than the uncomplicated pregnancy group. Maternal GDM was associated with elevated maternal fasting serum triglycerides at 3 years after adjustment for early pregnancy BMI and SEI. Children exposed to GDM in utero had higher waist circumference compared to children born after an uncomplicated pregnancy, but this is mediated the above covariates.ConclusionExposure to GDM is associated with elevated serum triglycerides in women at 3 years postpartum but other cardiometabolic outcomes in women and children appear to be mediated by early pregnancy BMI and SEI.

Evening blue-light exposure, maternal glucose, and infant birthweight.

Maternal-fetal consequences of exposure to blue-wavelength light are poorly understood. This study tested the hypothesis that evening blue-light exposure is associated with maternal fasting glucose and infant birthweight. Forty-one pregnant women (body mass index = 32.90 ± 6.35 kg/m2 ; 24-39 years old; 16 with gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM]) wore actigraphs for 7 days, underwent polysomnography, and completed study questionnaires during gestational week 30 ± 3.76. Infant birthweight (n = 41) and maternal fasting glucose (n = 30; range = 16-36 weeks) were recorded from the mothers' medical charts. Blue-light exposure was obtained from Actiwatch-Spectrum recordings. Adjusted and unadjusted linear regression analyses were performed to determine sleep characteristics associated with maternal fasting glucose and infant-birthweight. The mean fasting mid- to late-gestation glucose was 95.73 ± 24.68 mg/dl and infant birthweight was 3271 ± 436 g. In unadjusted analysis, maternal fasting glucose was associated with blue-light exposure (β = 3.82, p = 0.03).In the final model of multiple linear regression for fasting glucose, evening blue-light exposure (β = 4.00, p = 0.01) remained significant after controlling for gestational weight gain, parity, sleep duration, and GDM. Similarly, blue-light exposure was associated with infant birthweight (69.79, p = 0.006) in the unadjusted model, and remained significant (β = 70.38, p = 0.01) after adjusting for weight gain, wakefulness after sleep onset, gestational age at delivery, and GDM. Higher blue-light exposure in pregnancy is associated with higher fasting glucose and infant birthweight. Reduced use of electronic devices before bedtime is a modifiable behavior.

Ramadan Fasting and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Diabetes Mellitus: Literature Review.

There is an emerging Muslim and diabetic population in the United States and other Western countries and majority of pregnant women and patients with diabetes mellitus choose to fast during Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan in pregnant women with diabetes may represent a ‘perfect storm’ of metabolic disturbances including hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia and ketosis. Recent continuous and flash glucose monitoring data suggests increased glycemic variability (fasting hypo- and post-Iftar hyperglycemia) in non-pregnant patients with diabetes during Ramadan. Only five small-scale studies, predominantly focused on women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Muslim-majority nations have explored maternal glycemic outcomes during Ramadan which is associated with lower mean blood glucose levels and higher frequency of fasting hypoglycemia. Data is limited however on important clinical outcomes such as symptomatic and serious hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization. Results have been conflicting regarding maternal Ramadan fasting and association with fetal outcomes in women without diabetes. Only one recently published study reported on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes which found no effect of Ramadan exposure on mean birthweight or macrosomia frequency but lower neonatal hypoglycemia prevalence, however a significant limitation was lack of documentation of maternal fasting status. At this stage, due to paucity of data, the current medical recommendation is against Ramadan fasting for pregnant Muslim women with diabetes. Large-scale population-based studies are warranted regarding maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant fasting women with diabetes and such studies should characterize maternal fasting status and have meaningful and consistent clinical outcomes. High-quality data derived from these studies can assist clinicians in providing more evidence-based advice to safely navigate both mother and fetus through a potentially challenging pregnancy.

Time-restricted feeding during embryonic development leads to metabolic dysfunction in adult rat offspring

ObjectivesMaternal circadian eating time and frequency are associated with altered glucose metabolism during pregnancy in humans. Research on long maternal fasting intervals is inconclusive, and little is known about the effect of maternal time feeding on offspring health. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine whether maternal time feeding influences the metabolic status of both male and female offspring. MethodsPregnant rats were provided ad libitum access to chow diet or fed during either the light phase (LP) or dark phase (DP) during embryonic development. At the age of 150 days, glucose tolerance, lipid concentrations, and insulin secretion were determined in adult male and female offspring. ResultsBoth male and female offspring of LP and DP dams exhibited alterations in the lipid profile, and female offspring were glucose intolerant. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion decreased in male and female offspring of LP and DP dams. Acetylcholine increased insulin secretion in male and female offspring. Islets from male and female offspring of DP dams exhibited less pronounced inhibition of insulin secretion by epinephrine, suggesting alterations in the cholinergic and adrenergic pathways in these animals. ConclusionsOur data suggest that a time-restricted feeding regimen during embryonic development could program rat offspring for metabolic dysfunction during adulthood.

1061-P: Need for Insulin Therapy in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Predictive Model Assessment

A significant portion of pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) eventually requires insulin therapy, thus necessitating closer monitoring. In this study, we assessed a predictive model for the need of insulin therapy in women with GDM. In a retrospective cohort study, baseline data from 246 women with GDM (43% on subsequent insulin therapy, 57% on nutritional therapy alone) were analyzed using logistic regression. Diagnosis of GDM in previous pregnancies, previous GDM managed with insulin therapy, previous maternal impaired fasting glucose, fasting serum glucose diagnostic for GDM, and 0h and 2h diagnostic values at 75-g oral glucose tolerance test were independent qualitative significant predictors for subsequent insulin therapy. Pre-conceptional maternal body mass index, fasting serum glucose, HbA1c and gestational age at GDM diagnosis were independent quantitative significant predictors for subsequent insulin therapy. According to the odds ratios produced by the logistic regression, a risk score was developed, with identification of low (score &amp;lt;10, p &amp;lt;0.001) , moderate (score ≥and &amp;lt;14, p = 0.052) and high (score ≥14, p &amp;lt; 0.001) risk categories for need of insulin therapy during pregnancy. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the internal validation of the predictive model was 0.724. The risk assessment tool was then validated with an independent cohort of 22 GDM women, resulting in a similar predictive power (AUC = 0.744) . Thus, a simple risk score based on easily available clinical and biochemical data at the first visit can predict the need for insulin therapy in GDM women, leading to closer monitoring and timely initiation of therapy in pregnancies at higher risk. Disclosure M.Caporusso: Other Relationship; Eli Lilly and Company. L.Di gioia: Other Relationship; Eli Lilly and Company, Menarini Group. G.Sorice: None. A.Cignarelli: None. A.Natalicchio: Consultant; Novo Nordisk, Other Relationship; AstraZeneca, Lilly Diabetes, Sanofi. F.Giorgino: Advisory Panel; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Novo Nordisk, Consultant; Lilly Diabetes, Sanofi, Research Support; Lilly Diabetes, Roche Diabetes Care, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. L.Laviola: Advisory Panel; Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi, Speaker's Bureau; A. Menarini Diagnostics, Abbott Diabetes, Medtronic, Terumo Corporation.

Study of association of maternal triglycerides level with neonatal macrosomia in non-obese non-diabetic pregnant women

Maternal dyslipidemia experts potential and adverse impacts on pregnant women and newborns. However, the association between maternal serum triglycerides level and the risk of macrosomia has not yet been clearly studied.We did this study for association between the maternal serum triglycerides level and risk of macrosomia among the non-diabetic and non obese pregnant women. To find the associations of maternal triglyceride levels with neonatal macrosomia in non-obese and pregnant women without Diabetes Mellitus . SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, India. This was a escriptive cross-sectional study of 100 pregnant patients with BMI less than 30. The medical records of 100 non obese and non-diabetic pregnant women at term were prospectively analyzed. Maternal fasting serum triglyceride levels were measured during late pregnancy. Scatter diagram was used to analyze the variables associated with the risk of macrosomia. Maternal TG level was higher in patient with macrosomia babies (333.00 ± 51.62) compare to those without macrosomia (253.15 ± 81.02). This difference in mean was statistically significant (P value = 0.001) (Table 5). There was a positive correlation between birth weight and maternal triglyceride level which was statistically significant with correlation coefficient value of 0.278 (r) and p value of 0.005.

106-OR: Fetal Sex Influences Maternal Insulin and Glucose Metabolism in Pregnancy

Aims and Hypothesis: Women carrying a male fetus are suggested to have altered maternal glucose and insulin dynamics and increased rates of GDM, but current literature remains inconclusive. We aimed to determine the relationship between fetal sex and maternal glucose and insulin metabolism and assess whether inclusion of fetal sex improves prediction of IADPSG GDM. Methods: Using blinded data from five Hyperglycaemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome study centres, we examined maternal metabolic data at mean gestational week 28 in 6337 untreated women. Stratifying women by either male (n = 3273) or female fetus (n = 3064) we analysed data from the 75g OGTT, estimates of insulin secretion (Stumvoll first phase) and sensitivity (Matsuda index) and their product (oral Disposition index) using multiple linear regression analysis. To assess the relationship and predictive ability of fetal sex and GDM we utilised multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Women carrying a male fetus were found to have a modest increase in fasting plasma glucose (4.52 vs. 4.44 mmol/L; P=0.008) and 1 h glucose (7.57 vs. 7.46 mmol/L; P=0.015) during OGTT which translated into an overall increase in the OGTT z score (0.vs. 0.02; P=0.005) . The Matsuda (β: -0.06; 95% CI [-0.10, -0.02]; P=0.008) and oral Disposition index (β: -0.07; 95% CI [-0.11, -0.02]; P=0.005) were significantly reduced in women carrying a male fetus after correction for established maternal clinical risk factors. Women carrying a male fetus were not at higher odds of developing GDM in adjusted (aOR: 1.04; 95% CI [0.9, 1.19]; P=0.6) or unadjusted (OR: 1.09; 95% CI [0.96, 1.25]; P=0.16) models. Conclusion/interpretation: The male fetus is associated with increased maternal fasting and postprandial glucose with concomitant decreased insulin sensitivity and β-cell compensation. The alterations in maternal glucose and insulin dynamics associated with having a male fetus does not translate into a clinical diagnosis of GDM. Disclosure T.P.Mullins: None. K.S.Gibbons: None. L.R.Madsen: None. R.C.Ma: Other Relationship; Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Research Support; AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Novo Nordisk A/S, Pfizer Inc., Tricida, Inc. W.H.Tam: None. P.Catalano: None. D.A.Sacks: None. H.L.Barrett: None. D.Mcintyre: None.

First-trimester maternal serum betatrophin levels are decreased in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus

IntroductionThe purpose of the present study was to compare maternal serum betatrophin levels during the first trimester from healthy pregnancies to those complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). MethodsIn this prospective study, 320 pregnant women were evaluated in their first trimester, and 145 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were divided into the following two groups according to GDM screening results: GDM (n:20) and non-diabetic healthy control (n: 125). Samples of maternal serum fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin (HB)A1c, and betatrophin levels obtained from the women's blood samples between 11+0/7 -13+6/7 gestational weeks during first trimester nuchal translucency screening. 75-g oral glucose tolerance test protocol was preferred for GDM scanning between 24+0/7 -28+0/7 gestational weeks. ResultsMaternal age and first-trimester body mass index (BMI) were higher in the GDM group than in the control group. Gestational age at blood draw was similar between the groups. First-trimester fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin (Hb)A1c, thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine (sT3), and thyroxine (sT4) were statistically similar between groups. First trimester Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was 2.67 ± 1.42 in the GDM group and 2.12 ± 1.61 in the control group and not statistically different. Maternal age and BMI adjusted first-trimester maternal serum betatrophin levels were 11.58 ± 6.40 ng/mL in the GDM group and 31.11 ± 3.00 ng/mL in the control group and was statistically lower in the GDM group (p < 0.001). DiscussionOur results indicated that first trimester maternal serum betatrophin levels are decreased in pregnancies complicated by GDM and first trimester betatrophin levels could be an early screening tool for GDM to allow better pregnancy management.

Impact of maternal intermittent fasting during pregnancy on cardiovascular, metabolic and renal function in adult rat offspring.

Pregnant Muslim women are exempt from fasting during Ramadan; however a majority are reported to fast. The impact of this form of maternal intermittent fasting (IF) on fetal development and offspring health is not well defined. Using a rat model, we have shown previously that maternal IF results in fetal growth restriction accompanied by changes in placental nutrient transport function. The aim of this study was to assess cardiovascular, metabolic and renal function in adult offspring of IF-exposed dams. Food was withheld from Wistar rats from 17:00 to 09:00 daily throughout pregnancy; controls had ad libitum access to food. Birth weight was unaffected; however male IF pups grew more slowly up to 10 weeks of age (P < 0.01) whereas IF females matched their control counterparts. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose tolerance and basal renal function at 14 weeks were not affected by IF exposure. When offered saline solutions (0.9–2.1%) to drink, females showed a greater salt preference than males (P < 0.01); however there were no differences between dietary groups. A separate group of pups was weaned onto a 4% NaCl diet. SBP increased in IF pups sooner, at 7 weeks (P < 0.01), than controls which became hypertensive from 10 weeks. Renal function did not appear to differ; however markers of renal injury were elevated in IF males (P < 0.05). Maternal IF does not affect resting cardiovascular, metabolic and renal function; but when challenged by dietary salt load male IF offspring are more prone to renal injury.

Fetal sex and maternal fasting glucose affect neonatal cord blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells

BackgroundMaternal cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in pregnancy, i.e., obesity and hyperglycemia, transmit to the fetus and affect placental and fetal endothelial function. Moreover, a sex dimorphism in endothelial function and susceptibility towards CVRF exists already in utero. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC) are circulating endothelial progenitors highly present in neonatal cord blood and sensitive to CVRF. This study investigated whether fetal sex or subtle maternal metabolic changes within healthy range alter fetal ECFC outgrowth.MethodsOutgrowth of ECFC from cord blood of male (n = 31) and female (n = 26) neonates was analyzed after healthy pregnancies and related to fetal sex and maternal metabolic parameters.ResultsMale ECFC grew out earlier (−20.57% days; p = 0.031) than female. Although all women were non-diabetic, higher levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at midpregnancy increased the time required for colony outgrowth (OR: 1.019; p = 0.030), which, after stratifying for fetal sex, was significant only in the males. Gestational weight gain and BMI did not affect outgrowth. Colony number was unchanged by all parameters.ConclusionsFetal sex and maternal FPG within normal range alter ECFC function in utero. A role of ECFC in postnatal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis has been suggested, which may be affected by altered outgrowth dynamics.ImpactThis study is the first to report that a sexual dimorphism exists in ECFC function, as cells of female progeny require a longer period of time until colony outgrowth than ECFC of male progeny.Our data show that ECFC function is highly sensitive and affected by maternal glucose levels even in a normal, non-diabetic range.Our data raise the question of whether maternal plasma glucose in pregnancy should be considered to play a critical role even in the non-diabetic setting.

Interaction between rs10830962 polymorphism in MTNR1B and lifestyle intervention on maternal and neonatal outcomes: secondary analyses of the DALI lifestyle randomized controlled trial

Interactions between polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) gene and lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes have been described. Whether these are specific for physical activity or the healthy eating intervention is unknown. The aim was to assess the interaction between MTNR1B rs10830962 and rs10830963 polymorphisms and lifestyle interventions during pregnancy. Women with a BMI (in kg/m2) of ≥29 (n=436) received counseling on healthy eating (HE), physical activity (PA), or both. The control group received usual care. This secondary analysis had a factorial design with comparison of HE compared with no HE and PA compared with no PA. Maternal outcomes at 24-28 wk were gestational weight gain (GWG), maternal fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), disposition index, and development of GDM. Neonatal outcomes were cord blood leptin and C-peptide and estimated neonatal fat percentage. The interaction between receiving either the HE or PA intervention and genotypes of both rs10830962 and rs10830963 was assessed using multilevel regression analysis. GDM risk was increased in women homozygous for the G allele of rs10830962 (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.34, 5.06) or rs10830963 (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.24, 6.47). Significant interactions between rs10830962 and interventions were found: in women homozygous for the G allele but not in the other genotypes, the PA intervention reduced maternal fasting insulin (β: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.33, 0.02; P=0.08) and HOMA-IR (β: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.35, 0.01; P=0.06), and reduced cord blood leptin (β: -0.84; 95% CI: -1.42, -0.25; P=0.01) and C-peptide (β: -0.62; 95% CI: -1.07, -0.17; P=0.01). In heterozygous women, the HE intervention had no effect, whereas in women homozygous for the C allele, HE intervention reduced GWG (β: -1.6kg; 95% CI: -2.4, -0.8 kg). No interactions were found. In women homozygous for the risk allele of MTNR1B rs10830962, GDM risk was increased and PA intervention might be more beneficial than HE intervention for reducing maternal insulin resistance, cord blood C-peptide, and cord blood leptin.

Maternal dyslipidemia and altered cholesterol metabolism in early pregnancy as a risk factor for small for gestational age neonates

We evaluated the relationship between maternal cholesterol levels and its biologically active precursors and metabolites in the first trimester and subsequent risk for small-for-gestational-age birthweight (SGA). This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study which enrolled healthy singleton pregnancies (n = 1337). Maternal fasting blood was taken in the first trimester and followed up till delivery. The lipid parameters were compared between women who delivered SGA neonates (SGA-group, birthweight < 10th percentile, n = 107) and women who did not (non-SGA-group, n = 1230). In addition, metabolic signatures of cholesterol were evaluated in a subset consisting of propensity-score matched SGA (n = 56) and control group (n = 56). Among lipid parameters, maternal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower in SGA-group than in non-SGA-group (p = 0.022). The risk for SGA was negatively correlated with maternal serum HDL-C quartiles (p = 0.003), and this association remained significant after adjustment for confounding variables. In metabolic signatures of cholesterol, the cholesterol/lathosterol ratio in SGA-group was significantly higher than non-SGA-group [(2.7 (1.6–3.7) vs. 2.1 (1.5–2.9), respectively; p = 0.034)], suggesting increased endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis. We demonstrated that dyslipidemia and increased cholesterol biosynthesis led to delivery of SGA neonates even in early pregnancy.

The influence of maternal blood glucose during pregnancy on weight outcomes at birth and preschool age in offspring exposed to hyperglycemia first detected during pregnancy, in a South African cohort.

Little is known about the influence of hyperglycemia first detected in pregnancy (HFDP) on weight outcomes in exposed offspring in Africa. We investigated the influence of maternal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy on offspring weight outcomes at birth and preschool age, in offspring exposed to HFDP, in South Africa. Women diagnosed with HFDP had data routinely collected during the pregnancy and at delivery, at a referral hospital, and the offspring followed up at preschool age. Maternal fasting, oral glucose tolerance test 1 and 2-hour blood glucose were measured at diagnosis of HFDP and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose during the third trimester. Offspring were classified as either those exposed to diabetes first recognized in pregnancy (DIP) or gestational diabetes (GDM). At birth, neonates were classified into macrosomia, low birth weight (LBW), large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA)groups. At preschool age, offspring had height and weight measured and Z-scores for weight, height and BMI calculated. Four hundred and forty-three neonates were included in the study at birth, with 165 exposed to DIP and 278 exposed to GDM. At birth, the prevalence of LGA, macrosomia and LBW were 29.6%, 12.2% and 7.5%, respectively, with a higher prevalence of LGA and macrosomia in neonates exposed to DIP. At pre-school age, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26.5%. Maternal third trimester 2-hour postprandial blood glucose was significantly associated with z-scores for weight at birth and preschool age, and both SGA and LGA at birth. In offspring exposed to HFDP, there is a high prevalence of LGA and macrosomia at birth, and overweight and obesity at preschool age, with higher prevalence in those exposed to DIP, compared to GDM. Maternal blood glucose control during the pregnancy influences offspring weight at birth and preschool age.

Cardiac function in fetal and infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes

Abstract Background The intraventricular pressure differences (IVPD) IVPD using color M-mode is a specific marker in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). (Circulation R 2019, 378–388). Purpose This study investigated the myocardial performance of fetuses in mothers with GDM under the new GDM definition. Method The study population comprised of 27 mothers with GDM and the fetus. Women with GDM were defined as those with a glucose metabolism abnormality that existed before or began during the current pregnancy and was diagnosed using OGTTs. The 5 mothers with type 1 or type 2 DM were receiving insulin before their pregnancy. Fetal echo measurements were performed about median gestational age 35 weeks. The primary outcomes were comparisons of the fetal myocardial performance of GDM with insulin administration and without administration using echocardiography with IVPD, and IVPG. The secondary outcome has investigated the relationships between echocardiography parameters, IVPD, and IVPG, and maternal factors. For all statistical analyses, P&amp;lt;0.05 was considered significant. Result In the insulin group was higher RV output (Fig. 2A). Maternal max HbA1c was observed to have a positive correlation with fetal RV output, significantly (Fig. 2B). Maternal max fasting blood glucose was observed to have a negative correlation with the Total, Basal and Mid to apical IVPD, significantly, respectively. Serial change of LV Total IVPD from fetal to after birth shown in Slide. In both groups, LV Total IVPD was increasing from fetal and after birth significantly. Conclusion The mechanism associated with the favorable systolic and diastolic performances in IGDMs is suggested to involve metabolic adaptations in the heart. In diabetic mice, these adaptations seem to prevent the heart from failing during conditions of pressure overload, suggesting a restoration of the balance between glucose and fatty acid utilization is beneficial for cardiac function. In fetal LV and RV-IVPD might be interacted the mother's blood sugar control. These indexes can predict the sensitive fetal and infant's cardiac dysfunction for GDM. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Dichotomy in the Impact of Elevated Maternal Glucose Levels on Neonatal Epigenome.

ContextAntenatal hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of future adverse health outcomes in both mother and child. Variations in offspring’s epigenome can reflect the impact and response to in utero glycemic exposure, and may have different consequences for the child.ObjectiveWe examined possible differences in associations of basal glucose status and glucose handling during pregnancy with both clinical covariates and offspring cord tissue DNA methylation.Research Design and MethodsThis study included 830 mother-offspring dyads from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes cohort. The fetal epigenome of umbilical cord tissue was profiled using Illumina HumanMethylation450 arrays. Associations of maternal mid-pregnancy fasting (fasting plasma glucose [FPG]) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) after a 75-g oral glucose challenge with both maternal clinical phenotypes and offspring epigenome at delivery were investigated separately.ResultsMaternal age, prepregnancy body mass index, and blood pressure measures were associated with both FPG and 2hPG, whereas Chinese ethnicity (P = 1.9 × 10-4), maternal height (P = 1.1 × 10-4), pregnancy weight gain (P = 2.2 × 10-3), prepregnancy alcohol consumption (P = 4.6 × 10-4), and tobacco exposure (P = 1.9 × 10-3) showed significantly opposite associations between the 2 glucose measures. Most importantly, we observed a dichotomy in the effects of these glycemic indices on the offspring epigenome. Offspring born to mothers with elevated 2hPG showed global hypomethylation. CpGs most associated with the 2 measures also reflected differences in gene ontologies and had different associations with offspring birthweight.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that 2 traditionally used glycemic indices for diagnosing gestational diabetes may reflect distinctive pathophysiologies in pregnancy, and have differential impacts on the offspring’s DNA methylome.

Serum lipid levels in relation to clinical outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: an observational cohort study

BackgroundResearch on dyslipidemia during pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has rarely been conducted in Asia. The present study aimed to evaluate maternal mid-trimester lipid profile in relation to GDM and clinical outcomes in these high-risk populations.MethodsThe medical records of 632 pregnant women in the second trimester were retrospectively analyzed. Maternal fasting serum lipids were assayed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and Apo B concentrations during the second trimester. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated as log (TG/HDL). The clinical outcomes were collected by evaluating delivery mode, postpartum hemorrhage, prematurity, macrosomia, birth weight, body length and neonatal Apgar 5 min score.ResultsLevels of TG and AIP were elevated while decreased HDL-C was observed in women with GDM compared with that of the control group. Significant differences were observed in gestational weeks at birth, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, birth weight, body length, prematurity and macrosomia between the two groups. Compared with women with hyperlipidemia, the incidence of GDM and cesarean section was lower in normal lipid group. Women in the hyperlipidemia group had smaller gestational weeks at birth than those in the control group. According to the logistic regression analysis, each unit elevation in AIP increased the risk of GDM by 18.48 times (OR = 18.48, CI: 2.38–143.22). Besides, age (OR = 1.11, CI: 1.06–1.16) and pre-pregnancy BMI (OR = 1.15, CI: 1.07–1.24) were the risk factors of GDM.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that reasonable lipid control in the second trimester might reduce the incidence of GDM and be a potential strategy for improving clinical outcomes in these high-risk women.

Maternal intermittent fasting during pregnancy: a translational research challenge for an important clinical scenario.

In volume 135, issue 11 of Clinical Science, Alkhalefah et al. report that, in pregnant rats, repeated, cyclic fasting, mimicking the fasting experienced by observant Muslim pregnant women during Ramadan, alters placental amino acid transport and increases the incidence of low birth weight. Though Muslim women are exempt, many observe Ramadan: >500 million fetuses worldwide may be exposed to Ramadan fasting in each generation, and low birth weight increases the risk of developing chronic disease in the future adult. Several mechanisms, including altered circadian rhythm, maternal stress, undernutrition or compensatory overeating at the breaking of fast, could, in theory, impact fetal growth during Ramadan. Limitations of the experimental model obviously prevent direct extrapolation to humans. Whether Ramadan fasting indeed affect fetal growth therefore remains unclear, as there is no clear-cut evidence from epidemiological studies. The paper illustrates the need to design further case-controlled studies in large cohorts of women who fasted at various stages of pregnancy, compared to appropriately matched women who did not fast, as well as more experimental studies focused on this issue of public health relevance.

Early Pregnancy Glycemic Levels in Non-Diabetic Women and Pregnancy Outcome: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundMaternal fasting blood sugar (FBS) variations within normal range and lower than that in diabetes mellitus (DM) may be associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes.ObjectiveTo find out if a rise of maternal FBS level above 80 but still below 120 mg/dL (group 2) has an influence on feto-maternal outcomes compared with a maternal FBS below 80 mg/dL (group 1).MethodsRetrospective cross-sectional study. FBS was measured at the booking visit. Subjects whose FBS was measured before 20 weeks were categorized according to their FBS (>80 mg/dL or ≤80 mg/dL) and correlation between FBS levels in the two groups with several parameters were tested.ResultsGroup 1 (130 healthy pregnant women) and group 2 (88 healthy pregnant women) did not show a statistical difference in age or BMI. More statistically significant cases were diagnosed with GDM in group 2 than in group 1 (39.8% vs 16.9%, P value 0.000). More cases that needed pharmacological intervention in the form of metformin or insulin or both were seen in group 2 than in group 1 (p value 0.007 and 0.061, respectively). More but not statistically significant polyhydramnios was seen more in group 2 than in group 1 (9.1% vs 3.1%, p value 0.056). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in relation to all other fetomaternal outcome parameters that were studied.ConclusionRaised maternal fasting blood glucose level (80–120 mg/dL) in healthy primigravid women in early pregnancy was associated with significant diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and need for pharmacological intervention. An association was found with polyhydramnios but this was not statistically significant. No influence was found on preterm birth, fetal weight, mode of delivery or APGAR score. More attention should be given to FBS levels early in pregnancy to reduce the risk for later complications.

Impact of preconception weight loss on fasting glucose and pregnancy outcomes in women with obesity: A randomized trial.

This study examined the effectiveness of a nonsurgical, preconception weight loss intervention on pregnancy outcomes in women with obesity. This was a two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 164 women with BMI 30 to 55kg/m2 who were aged 18 to 38 years and planning pregnancy were randomized to a 12-week standard dietary intervention (SDI; n=79) or a modified very low-energy diet (VLED; n=85). Participants were observed for ≤48 weeks while trying for pregnancy and then during pregnancy. The primary outcome was maternal fasting plasma glucose at 26 to 28 weeks' gestation. Exploratory outcomes were individual and composite obesity-related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Weight loss was greater in the VLED group (SDI 3.2 [0.6] kg vs. VLED 13.0 [0.5] kg, p<0.01). In completers who had a singleton live birth (SDI 22/79 vs. VLED 35/85, p=0.10), there was no difference in fasting glucose at 26 to 28 weeks' gestation (SDI 4.8[0.2] mmol/L vs. VLED 4.6 [0.1] mmol/L, p=0.42). However, the composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes was significantly lower in the VLED group (p<0.001). Substantial prepregnancy weight loss in women with obesity does not alter fasting glucose at 26 to 28 weeks' gestation but does reduce a composite of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A better understanding of metabolic changes in pregnancy after preconception weight loss may assist in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.