Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes Research Articles

Utilizing Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Early Detection of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Outcomes in an Asian Population.

We explored the potential value of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in early pregnancy in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy outcomes. The study recruited 103 multiethnic Asian pregnant women with overweight or obesity from a hospital-based, prospective cohort. All of them had worn blinded CGM devices in early pregnancy and underwent the universal GDM screening at 24-28 gestation weeks. Models were selected based on early pregnancy risk factors and CGM-derived parameters to compare their respective predictive values for GDM and pregnancy outcomes. Eighteen GDM cases were ascertained. CGM-derived novel parameters demonstrated greater performance (e.g., area under the curve: 0.953 vs. 0.722) for predicting incident GDM compared with the model using traditional risks. Such novel CGM-derived parameters significantly differentiated primary cesarean and large-for-gestational age babies. Our data suggest CGM's potential clinical utility in the first trimester for predicting GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in individuals with overweight or obesity.

Implications of pregnancy on cardiometabolic disease risk: preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Cardiometabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension, prior to and within pregnancy are increasing in prevalence worldwide. Pregnancy-associated cardiometabolic disease poses a great risk to the short- and long-term well-being of the mother and offspring. Hypertensive pregnancy, notably preeclampsia, as well as gestational diabetes are the major diseases of pregnancy growing in prevalence as a result of growing cardiometabolic disease prevalence. The mechanisms whereby obesity, diabetes, and other comorbidities lead to preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are incompletely understood and continually evolving in the literature. In addition, novel therapeutic avenues are currently being explored in these patients to offset cardiometabolic-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes in preeclamptic and gestational diabetes pregnancies. In this review, we discuss the emerging pathophysiological mechanisms of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the context of cardiometabolic risk as well as the most recent preclinical and clinical updates in the pathogenesis and treatment of these conditions.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Novel and Traditional Risk Factors in Middle Eastern Young Women. The ANCORS-YW Study.

There is paucity of data on the prevalence of novel and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in young women with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the Middle East. We sought to evaluate clinical profiles and prevalence of novel and traditional risk factors in Middle Eastern young women with ASCVD compared with age-matched controls. Women 18-50 years of age who have ASCVD were enrolled and each was aged-matched with two women with no ASCVD. Prevalence of novel and traditional risk factors was compared in the two groups. Multivariable analyzes examined the independent association of 16 factors with ASCVD. Of 627 young women enrolled mean age 44.1 ± 5.2 years; 209 had ASCVD and 418 served as controls. Women with ASCVD had significantly higher prevalence of five of the studied traditional risk factors (hypertension, type 2 diabetes [T2D], smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol serum levels, and family history of premature ASCVD [FHx]) than women with no ASCVD. Additionally, of the 11 novel and psychosocial risk factors studied, four showed significantly higher prevalence in young women with ASCVD (preterm delivery, hypertensive disease of pregnancy gestational diabetes, and low level of education). Multivariable analyzes showed hypertension, T2D, smoking, FHx, persistent weight gain after pregnancy and low level of education were independently associated with ASCVD. In this study of young Middle Eastern women; traditional risk factors as well as persistent weight gain after pregnancy were more prevalent in women with ASCVD compared with controls.The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, unique identifier number NCT04975503.

Dietary Intakes of Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study.

Nutrient intake for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important to ensure satisfactory birth outcomes. This study aims to explore the dietary profiles of patients with GDM, compare the results with the Chinese dietary guidelines or Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from China and investigate the relationship between maternal dietary intake and pregnancy outcomes. A total of 221 patients with GDM in the second trimester were included in the cohort. Dietary intake data were collected using a 24-hour recall method for three consecutive days. The pregnancy outcomes of these participants were subsequently monitored. Both univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between dietary intake variables or general characteristics variables and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Participants with adverse pregnancy outcomes showed a lower intake of iodine and vitamin D, a lower percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrates and a higher percentage of dietary energy intake from fats, compared to participants without adverse pregnancy outcomes. The gestational weight gain and family history of diabetes were associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, regular exercise, the intake of iodine and Vitamin D, and the percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrates were associated with a decreased risk. The daily diet of pregnant women with GDM in China did not meet the dietary guidelines or DRIs. The low intake of Vitamin D and iodine, the low dietary carbohydrate ratio, family history of diabetes, lack of exercise, and high gestational weight gain were associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with GDM.

Tight versus less tight 1-hour postprandial glycemic target in women with gestational diabetes mellitus - a single-center cohort study.

We aimed to assess the impact of the change of 1-hour postprandial glycemic target from < 6.7 mmol/L (120 mg/dL) to < 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treatment and pregnancy outcomes. In a retrospective analysis of 1021 GDM patients from the Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital in Cracow, Poland, we compared insulin therapy regimens and pregnancy outcomes between women admitted in 2014-2016 (before the change) and in 2018-2019 (after it). A total of 377 patients were admitted between 2014 and 2016 (TIGHT group) and 644 between 2018 and 2019 (LESS TIGHT group). Women from the LESS TIGHT group were older (32 vs 30 years, p < 0.001) and gained less weight during pregnancy (7.0 vs 9.0 kg, p < 0.001). There was no change in the frequency of any insulin therapy (51.6% vs 56.1%, p = 0.168). In the LESS TIGHT group, the basal insulin-only model was used more frequently (32.5% vs 10.2%, p < 0.001), while the prandial insulin and basal-bolus model less frequently (23.6% vs 42.6% and 21.4% vs 36.7%, p < 0.001, respectively) than in the TIGHT group. There were no differences in the frequency of cesarean sections, preterm births, Hbd of delivery, mean birth weight or prevalence of perinatal complications. Less tight glycemic targets in women with GDM, compared to tighter targets, were associated with less frequent use of prandial insulin, with insulin therapy often limited to basal administration. The change in glycemic targets did not affect the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, providing evidence supporting new recommendations.

A Pregnant Patient with Sjögren’s Syndrome and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case Report

Background: Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting women around the age of 50, but can also occur in women of reproductive age, leading to serious maternal-fetal complications during pregnancy. The exact cause of this condition is not entirely understood, however, it is assumed to attack the exocrine glands, leading to impairment of their function. Additionally, an increased risk of developing lymphomas, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma is recognized among affected patients. Objective: To illustrate the management of pregnancy in a patient with Sjögren's syndrome and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and the achievement of obstetric success without maternal-fetal complications. Case report: In the article, a 36-year-old pregnant patient with Sjögren's syndrome history, two miscarriages, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is presented. Due to unexpected pregnancy, the patient discontinued lymphoma treatment. Through the pregnancy, fetal well-being, blood flow, and maternal health were meticulously monitored, showcasing successful obstetric management. Due to Sjögren's syndrome, fetal atrioventricular conduction was monitored weekly from the 16th to the 30th week, showing no abnormalities. Additionally, during the course of pregnancy gestational diabetes, cervical insufficiency treated with pessary insertion, anemia and thyroid insufficiency were diagnosed. Multidisciplinary care addressed these issues, allowing our patient to give birth to a healthy child at 37 weeks via cesarean section. Conclusion: Pregnancies in Sjögren's syndrome patients pose elevated risks due to the presence of antibodies causing tissue damage and complications. These antibodies contribute to fetal myocardial issues and congenital heart conditions. Regular fetal heart ultrasounds, especially for those positive for Ro/SS-A antibodies, are crucial between the 16th and 31st weeks. Maternal-fetal complications include a higher risk of preterm delivery and lower birth weight of the offspring, often due to fetal growth restriction. Additionally, considering the potential for oncohematologic disorders in adults, comprehensive obstetric care is essential for minimizing complications risk.

167 Do recommended continuous glucose monitoring thresholds apply to type 2 and gestational diabetes in pregnancy?

167 Do recommended continuous glucose monitoring thresholds apply to type 2 and gestational diabetes in pregnancy?

172 Continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 and gestational diabetes in pregnancy: better than hemoglobin A1c?

172 Continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 and gestational diabetes in pregnancy: better than hemoglobin A1c?

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Lean, Obese, and Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies: A Descriptive Study

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Lean, Obese, and Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies: A Descriptive Study

Comparison of Doppler Flow Parameters of Foetal Middle Cerebral Artery in Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes versus Normal Pregnancy: A Cohort Study

Comparison of Doppler Flow Parameters of Foetal Middle Cerebral Artery in Pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes versus Normal Pregnancy: A Cohort Study

Multiple Pregnancies Over a Five-Year Period; Complications in Pregnancy, Mode of Delivery and Perinatal Outcome

Background: The aim of this study was to determine type and frequency of complications during multiple pregnancies, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome in three groups of pregnant women, categorized by gestational age of pregnancy.Methods: In cross-sectional epidemiological study data were collected and processed from the medical database of University Clinical Hospital in Mostar in the period between 2015. and 2019. A total of 149 pregnant women and their neonates were included and divided into three groups according to gestational age: moderately preterm birth (from 22 to 33 + 6 weeks - MPTB), late preterm birth (from 34 to 36 + 6 weeks - LPTB ), term birth (from 37 weeks). SPSS for Windows software (version 23.0, SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA) was used for statistical analysis.Main findings: Of the total 149 pregnancies, 64.86% were completed by C-section and it was the dominant mode of delivery in all gestational groups. Hypertension, PPROM and gestational diabetes pregnancy were the most common complications in the group of term birth, PPROM and preeclampsia in the LPTB group, multiple maternal complications in the group MPTB (p &lt;0.001). In both twins, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was the most common complication in MPTB group, and neonatal jaundice and perinatal infection and sepsis in the LPTB and term birth group.Principal conclusions: Caesarian section was dominant mode of delivery in all groups. RDS and multiple complications were significantly more common in MPTP group, and neonatal jaundice, perinatal infections and sepsis in LPTP and term birth group.Key words: multiple pregnancy, PPROM, preeclampsia, hypertension, perinatal complications, caesarian section.

Effect of Individualized Nutritional Therapy Combined with Low-intensity Continuous Exercise on Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Gestational Diabetes

Objective: To study the effect of individualized nutrition therapy combined with low intensity continuous exercise on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) control and pregnancy outcome. Methods: A total of 72 GDM patients diagnosed and treated in our hospital from October 2022 to October 2023 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. Individualized nutritional therapy combined with low-intensity continuous exercise therapy and conventional therapy were given, respectively. The blood glucose level, biochemical indexes, depression score, anxiety score and pregnancy outcome of the patients were observed and compared. Results: After individualized nutrition therapy combined with low-intensity continuous exercise, compared with the control group, the levels of fasting blood glucose, 2h postprandional blood glucose, glycated protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol of the patients in the observation group were significantly reduced, and the depression and anxiety of the patients in the observation group were significantly alleviated, and the pregnancy complications were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Individualized nutrition therapy combined with low-intensity continuous exercise can effectively control gestational diabetes and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Glycemic Variability and Its Correlation with Large for Gestation-age Babies in Gestational Diabetic Pregnancies.

Although glycemic variability (GV) has been shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus (DM), there is a dearth of literature on its correlation in gestational diabetic pregnancies. To compare GV and 24-hour ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) in gestational diabetic pregnancies with and without large for gestation-age (LGA) babies. It was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 40 pregnant females between 19 and 35 years with gestational DM (GDM) controlled on pharmacotherapy fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited. A flash glucose monitor (FGM) was used to record AGP between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation in these women. A total of 400 patient days with 38,400 glucose values in the study group were analyzed. Various glucose measures were compared between the GDM pregnancies with or without LGA babies. The incidence of LGA was 15% in these pregnant women who were on pharmacotherapy and apparently controlled as evidenced by self-monitoring of blood sugar values. All the parameters of 24-hour AGP except dinner values were significantly high in the LGA group when compared with the non-LGA group [mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) LGA vs non-LGA 74.58 ± 16.83 vs 49.86 ± 12.83 mg/dL, p = 0.002; standard deviation (SD) LGA vs non-LGA 30.19 ± 9.69 vs 20.10 ± 5.97 mg/dL, p = 0.001]. Variables of GV: MAGE and SD were significantly high in the LGA group (p < 0.001). Time below range (TBR) and time above range (TAR) were also significantly altered in the LGA group (p < 0.001). High GV and time in the range are the important parameters that can be well correlated with LGA babies in gestational diabetic pregnancies on pharmacotherapy. An FGM is a good monitoring device to measure this parameter and can be used as an adjunct to modify measures to control the glucose values within range in these pregnancies.

Effect of grand multiparity on maternal, obstetric, fetal and neonatal results.

The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of antenatal and intrapartum complications and perinatal outcomes between grand multiparous women of the same age and socioeconomic status and nulliparous and multiparous women. A prospective case-control study was conducted at the Tertiary Center Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of the Eastern Anatolia Region between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2023. It was compared with 149 grand multiparous, 724 multipara, and 258 nulliparous singleton pregnancies. The data were entered separately by two people and then compared. The delivery period, gestation period, maternal obstetric, and fetal and neonatal outcomes of the groups were compared. The frequency of postpartum hemorrhage, antepartum and postpartum anemia was significantly higher in grand multiparity patients than in other groups. Gestational hypertension, Gestational DM and Abortus imminent, and the frequency of preterm birth increases with parity. The frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum and preeclampsia was significantly higher in nulliparous pregnant women than in others. There was no difference between the groups in terms of premature rupture of membranes and post-term pregnancy. Among the neonatal outcomes, only the frequency of low birth weight was significantly higher in grand multiparous patients. The frequency of postpartum anemia, postpartum bleeding, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm pregnancy is higher in grand multiparity patients than in multiparous and nulliparous patients. Due to the increased risks with grand multiparity, pregnancy follow-up, and follow-up should be done within the risk factors of these patients in regions where grand multiparity is intense, and family planning practices should be increased.

Serum mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases in early pregnancy for gestational diabetes in Chinese pregnant women.

This study aimed to explore associations of mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP) levels in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We also examined interactions of MASPs and deoxycholic acid (DCA)/glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) for the GDM risk and whether the interactive effects if any on the GDM risk were mediated via lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) 18:0. A 1:1 case-control study (n = 414) nested in a prospective cohort of pregnant women was conducted in Tianjin, China. Binary conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine associations of MASPs with the GDM risk. Additive interaction measures were used to examine interactions between MASPs and DCA/GUDCA for the GDM risk. Mediation analyses and Sobel tests were used to examine mediation effects of LPC18:0 between the copresence of MASPs and DCA/GUDCA on the GDM risk. High MASP-2 was independently associated with GDM [odds ratio (OR): 2.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-4.77], while the effect of high MASP-1 on GDM was attributable to high MASP-2 (P for Sobel test: 0.003). Low DCA markedly increased the OR of high MASP-2 alone from 2.53 (1.10-5.85) up to 10.6 (4.22-26.4), with a significant additive interaction. In addition, high LPC18:0 played a significant mediating role in the links from low DCA to GDM and from the copresence of high MASP-2 and low DCA to GDM (P for Sobel test <0.001) but not in the link from high MASP-2 to GDM. High MASP-1 and MASP-2 in early pregnancy were associated with GDM in Chinese pregnant women. MASP-2 amplifies the risk of low DCA for GDM, which is mediated via LPC18:0.

Sulforaphane induced NRF2 activation in obese pregnancy attenuates developmental redox imbalance and improves early-life cardiovascular function in offspring

In adverse pregnancy a perturbed redox environment is associated with abnormal early-life cardiovascular development and function. Previous studies have noted alterations in the expression and/or activity of Nuclear Factor E2 Related Factor 2 (NRF2) and its antioxidant targets during human gestational diabetic (GDM) pregnancy, however to our knowledge the functional role of NRF2 in fetal ‘priming’ of cardiovascular dysfunction in obese and GDM pregnancy has not been investigated. Using a murine model of obesity-induced glucose dysregulated pregnancy, we demonstrate that NRF2 activation by maternal sulforaphane (SFN) supplementation normalizes NRF2-linked NQO1, GCL and CuZnSOD expression in maternal and fetal liver placental and fetal heart tissue by gestational day 17.5. Activation of NRF2 in utero in wild type but not NRF2 deficient mice improved markers of placental efficiency and partially restored fetal growth. SFN supplementation was associated with reduced markers of fetal cardiac oxidative stress, including Nox2 and 3-nitrotyrosine, as well as attenuation of cardiac mass and cardiomyocyte area in male offspring by postnatal day 52 and improved vascular function in male and female offspring by postnatal day 98. Our findings are the first to highlight the functional consequences of NRF2 modulation in utero on early-life cardiovascular function in offspring, demonstrating that activation of NRF2 affords cardiovascular protection in offspring of pregnancies affected by redox dysregulation.

Temporal Trends in Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy: Impact of Rural Residence, Ethnicity, and Material Deprivation

ObjectiveOur aim in this study was to implement a newly validated algorithm to identify pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to identify temporal trends in rates over the last decade. We also compared obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). MethodsAmong women with live births between 2005 and 2018 in Alberta, we calculated yearly rates of T1DM, T2DM, and GDM, overall, and stratified by ethnicity, urban or rural residence, material deprivation score, and maternal age. ResultsBetween 2005 and 2018, GDM rates increased from 42.3 to 101.8 per 1,000 deliveries (p<0.0001), T2DM rates increased from 2.6 to 6.4 per 1,000 deliveries (p<0.0001), whereas T1DM remained constant at 3.0 per 1,000 deliveries each year (p=0.4301). Higher GDM and T2DM rates were observed among Chinese and South Asian women, respectively, and among women who were materially deprived and living in urban areas. Women with T2DM were older and had the highest rates of pre-existing hypertension (16%). In contrast, women with T1DM were younger and had the highest rates of gestational hypertension (12%), pre-eclampsia (12%), and cesarean section deliveries (62%). Children of women with T1DM had the highest rates of large for gestational age (46%), neonatal hypoglycemia (41.1%), respiratory distress syndrome (7.7%), and jaundice (29.3%). ConclusionsDiabetes-in-pregnancy rates have more than doubled over the last decade, driven primarily by increases in GDM and T2DM. These trends may have significant implications for the future health of mothers and children in Alberta.

Validity of Alternative Claims-based Algorithms for Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy

ObjectiveOur aim in this study was to evaluate the accuracy of alternative algorithms for identifying pre-existing type 1 or 2 diabetes (T1DM or T2DM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women. MethodsData from a clinical registry of pregnant women presenting to an Edmonton diabetes clinic between 2002 and 2009 were linked and administrative health records. Three algorithms for identifying women with T1DM, T2DM, and GDM based on International Classification of Diseases---tenth revision (ICD-10) codes were assessed: delivery hospitalization records (Algorithm #1), outpatient clinics during pregnancy (Algorithm #2), and delivery hospitalization plus outpatient clinics during pregnancy (Algorithm #3). In a subset of women with clinic visits between 2005 and 2009, we examined the performance of an additional Algorithm #4 based on Algorithm #3 plus outpatient clinics in the 2 years before pregnancy. Using the diabetes clinical registry as the “gold standard,” we calculated true positive rates and agreement levels for the algorithms. ResultsThe clinical registry included data on 928 pregnancies, of which 90 were T1DM, 89 were T2DM, and 749 were GDM. Algorithm #3 had the highest true positive rate for the detection of T1DM, T2DM, and GDM of 94%, 72%, and 99.9%, respectively, resulting in an overall agreement of 97% in diagnosis between the administrative databases and the clinical registry. Algorithm #4 did not provide much improvement over Algorithm #3 in overall agreement. ConclusionsAn algorithm based on ICD-10 codes in the delivery hospitalization and outpatient clinic records during pregnancy can be used to accurately identify women with T1DM, T2DM, and GDM.

The relationship of fetal sex and maternal race and ethnicity with early and late pregnancy C-reactive protein and interleukin-8.

Promotion of a healthy pregnancy is dependent on a coordinated immune response that minimizes inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. Few studies investigated the effect of fetal sex on proinflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy and whether maternal race could impact this association. We aimed to examine whether fetal sex could, independently of maternal race/ethnicity and the condition of pregnancy (normal vs. complicated), impact inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and interleukin-8 [IL-8] levels) in early and late pregnancy. This study was a cohort analysis using prospectively collected data from pregnant women who participated in the Vitamin Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART, N=816). Maternal serum CRP and IL-8 levels were measured in early and late pregnancy (10-18 and 32-38weeks of gestation, respectively). Five hundred and twenty-eight out of 816 pregnant women who participated in the trial had available CRP and IL-8 measurements at both study time points. We examined the association of fetal sex with early and late CRP and IL-8 levels and their paired sample difference. We further investigated whether maternal race/ethnicity, pregnancy complications (i.e., preeclampsia and gestational diabetes), and early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) could affect the association between these two biomarkers and fetal sex adjusting for potential confounders. For this purpose, we used generalized linear and logistic regression models on log-normalized early and late CRP and IL-8 levels as well as their split at median to form high and low groups. Women pregnant with male fetuses (266/528=56.5%) had higher CRP levels in early to mid-pregnancy (β=.18: 95% confidence interval [CI]: CI=0.03-0.32; p=.02). Twenty-seven percent (143/528) of the study subjects were Hispanic. Hispanic African American [AA] women and women of races other than White and AA had higher levels of CRP at early to mid-pregnancy compared with White women (β=.57; 95% CI: 0.17-0.97; p<.01 and β=.27; 95% CI: 0.05-0.48; p=.02, respectively). IL-8 levels were not associated with fetal sex in early and late pregnancy (p's>.05). Other factors such as gestational diabetes and early pregnancy BMI were associated with higher CRP levels and higher CRP and IL-8 levels, respectively. Dichotomizing log-normalized cytokine levels at the median in a sensitivity analysis, women with male fetuses had lower odds of high (above-median) IL-8 levels at early pregnancy. Also, women with races other than AA and White carrying male fetuses had higher odds of having high (above-median) late-pregnancy CRP and early-pregnancy IL-8 levels (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.80, 95% CI: 0.24-1.23; p=.02 and aOR=3.57; 95% CI: 0.23-1.03; p=.02, respectively). Of the pregnancy complications, women with gestational diabetes mellitus had a higher paired difference of early and late pregnancy CRP levels (β=.38; 95% CI: 0.09-0.68; p=.01), but no difference in IL-8 levels (p's>.05). No associations between the inflammatory markers and preeclampsia were found. Fetal sex is associated with CRP in early pregnancy and an association with IL-8 in early pregnancy is implied. Our study further indicates that maternal race/ethnicity could be a contributing factor in the relationship between fetal sex and inflammatory responses during pregnancy. However, the specificity and level of the contribution might vary by type of cytokine, pregnancy stage, and other confounding factors such as BMI that may impact these associations.

Rural-urban disparities in pregestational and gestational diabetes in pregnancy: Serial, cross-sectional analysis of over 12 million pregnancies.

To compare trends in pregestational (DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) in pregnancy in rural and urban areas in the USA, because pregnant women living in rural areas face unique challenges that contribute to rural-urban disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Serial, cross-sectional analysis. US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Natality Files from 2011 to 2019. A total of 12 401 888 singleton live births to nulliparous women aged 15-44 years. We calculated the frequency (95% confidence interval [CI]) per 1000 live births, the mean annual percentage change (APC), and unadjusted and age-adjusted rate ratios (aRR) of DM and GDM in rural compared with urban maternal residence (reference) per the NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme overall, and by delivery year, reported race and ethnicity, and US region (effect measure modification). The outcomes (modelled separately) were diagnoses of DM and GDM. From 2011 to 2019, there were increases in both the frequency (per 1000 live births; mean APC, 95% CI per year) of DM and GDM in rural areas (DM: 7.6 to 10.4 per 1000 live births; APC 2.8%, 95% CI 2.2%-3.4%; and GDM: 41.4 to 58.7 per 1000 live births; APC 3.1%, 95% CI 2.6%-3.6%) and urban areas (DM: 6.1 to 8.4 per 1000 live births; APC 3.3%, 95% CI 2.2%-4.4%; and GDM: 40.8 to 61.2 per 1000 live births; APC 3.9%, 95% CI 3.3%-4.6%). Individuals living in rural areas were at higher risk of DM (aRR 1.48, 95% CI 1.45%-1.51%) and GDM versus those in urban areas (aRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.16%-1.18%). The increased risk was similar each year for DM (interaction p = 0.8), but widened over time for GDM (interaction p < 0.01). The rural-urban disparity for DM was wider for individuals who identified as Hispanic race/ethnicity and in the South and West (interaction p < 0.01 for all); and for GDM the rural-urban disparity was generally wider for similar factors (i.e. Hispanic race/ethnicity, and in the South; interaction p < 0.05 for all). The frequency of DM and GDM increased in both rural and urban areas of the USA from 2011 to 2019 among nulliparous pregnant women. Significant rural-urban disparities existed for DM and GDM, and increased over time for GDM. These rural-urban disparities were generally worse among those of Hispanic race/ethnicity and in women who lived in the South. These findings have implications for delivering equitable diabetes care in pregnancy in rural US communities.