Previous Gestational Diabetes Research Articles

Impact of previous gestational diabetes management on perinatal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus.

To determine the impact of prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on perinatal outcomes in a subsequent GDM pregnancy. This retrospective cohort study included 544 multiparous patients with two consecutive pregnancies between 2012-2019, where the second (index) pregnancy was affected by GDM. The primary exposure was prior GDM diagnosis, categorized into medical and dietary management. The primary outcome was a composite including need for pharmacotherapy, large-for-gestational age, or neonatal hypoglycemia. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated using multivariable logistic regressioncontrolling for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and gestational age at GDM diagnosis in the index pregnancy. Of the 544 patients, 164 (30.1%) had prior GDM. Prior GDM significantly increased the likelihood ofcomposite outcome compared to no prior GDM (74.4% vs. 57.4%; P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, prior GDM remained significantly associated with the composite outcome (aOR 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-3.15). Stratifying by prior GDM treatment modality, a significant association was found for prior pharmacotherapy-controlledGDM (aOR 3.29, 95% CI 1.64-6.59), but not for prior diet-controlled GDM (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI 0.92-2.60). A history of pharmacotherapy-controlled GDM in a previous pregnancy increases odds of adverse perinatal outcomes in a subsequent GDM pregnancy.

The effectiveness of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of diabetes and hyperglycaemia following gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To synthesize the available evidence to better understand the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or delay hyperglycaemia and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) postnatally in women with current or previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We searched five databases up to December 2020 for primary peer-reviewed articles reporting postpartum glycaemic outcomes in women with (previous) GDM following pharmacological or lifestyle intervention. Outcomes were relative risk of T2DM or continuous measures of glycaemia, change or at follow-up. A minimum of two studies evaluating the same intervention-outcome combination were needed to conduct meta-analyses, otherwise studies were described narratively. Meta-regression was used to evaluate whether associations varied by additional variables. We assessed risk of bias using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. PROSPERO record CRD42018102380. We included 31 studies in the review with a total sample size of 8624 participants, and 26 studies in meta-analyses. Two-thirds of studies followed up participants at 1 year or less. Pharmacological interventions were associated with reduced risk of T2DM (0.80 [95% CI 0.64-1.00], n = 6 studies), as were lifestyle interventions albeit with a smaller effect size (0.88 [95% CI 0.76-1.01], n = 12 studies). Dietary and physical activity interventions were associated with a small reduction in fasting plasma glucose, particularly in longer interventions, but inconsistent effects were seen for other continuous outcomes. Although possibly due to chance, interventions to reduce hyperglycaemia after GDM may be effective. Future research should improve understanding of how interventions affect glucose control and how to optimise interventions for this population.

Temporal Trend in Maternal Morbidity and Comorbidity.

This study aimed to examine the temporal trends of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in the U.S. population in relation to trends in maternal comorbidity. We performed a repeated cross-sectional analysis of data from individuals at 20 weeks' gestation or greater using U.S. birth certificate data from 2011 to 2021. Our primary outcome was SMM defined as the occurrence of intensive care unit admission, eclampsia, hysterectomy, uterine rupture, and blood product transfusion. We also examined the proportions of maternal comorbidity. Outcomes of the adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 99% confidence intervals (99% CIs) for 2021 m12 compared with 2011 m1 were calculated using negative binomial regression, controlling for predefined confounders. There were 42,504,125 births included in the analysis. From 2011 m1 to 2021 m12, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of advanced maternal age (35-39 [45%], 40-44 [29%], and ≥45 [43%] years), morbid obesity (body mass index 40-49.9 [66%], 50-59.9 [91%], and 60-69.9 [98%]), previous cesarean delivery (14%), chronic hypertension (104%), pregestational diabetes (64%), pregnancy-associated hypertension (240%), gestational diabetes (74%), and preterm delivery at 34 to 36 weeks (12%). There was a significant decrease in the incidence of multiple gestation (9%), preterm delivery at 22 to 27 weeks (9%), and preterm delivery at 20 to 21 weeks (22%). From 2011 m1 to 2021 m12, the incidence of SMM increased from 0.7 to 1.0% (crude IRR 1.60 [99% CI 1.54-1.66]). However, the trend was no longer statistically significant after controlling for confounders (adjusted IRR 1.01 [95% CI 0.81-1.27]). The main comorbidity that was associated with the increase in SMM was pregnancy-associated hypertension. The rise in the prevalence of comorbidity in pregnancy seems to fuel the rise in SMM. Interventions to prevent SMM should include the management and prevention of pregnancy-associated hypertension. · The rise in maternal mortality is related to morbidity.. · Pregnancy-associated hypertension increases morbidity.. · There were increasing trends in age, body mass index, and medical conditions..

A Systematic Review on Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in later life. Lifestyle interventions aimed at postpartum weight loss to reduce T2DM risk have been reported but poor compliance remains a barrier. Objectives: To assess what preventative measures reduce type 2 diabetes prevalence among women with previous gestational diabetes. Method: Search Strategy: Electronic databases CINAHL Web of Science PubMed and EMBASE were searched via the e-library gateway of the University of Nottingham using key words combined in a formal search strategy. Selection Criteria: Randomized Controlled Trials and Cluster Randomized Controlled Trials examining what preventative measures reduce type 2 diabetes prevalence among women with previous gestational diabetes were selected. Results: 14 studies were identified for inclusion in the review after a stringent criterion and their data was extracted using JBI data extraction tool. Three themes were identified across the 14 studies mainly: weight management healthy eating and medication and physical activities. Most interventions had positive outcomes however a few had no significant impact in the prevention of T2DM. Conclusion: The likelihood of developing diabetes is higher for women with a history of GDM, increases with a high BMI, high fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated fasting glucose. This risk can be greatly reduced by making lifestyle adjustments or taking medication. The main risk factors that increase the risk of T2DM after GDM identified in this review were obesity, poor quality of diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Kidney Disease in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study.

The association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and incident kidney disease, the mediating effects of diabetes and hypertension, and the impact of severity of metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy on the risk of incident kidney disease were investigated in this study. This Danish, nationwide, register-based cohort study included all women giving birth between 1997 and 2018. Outcomes included chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney disease, based on diagnosis codes. Cox regression analyses explored the association between GDM and kidney disease. A proxy for severity of metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy was based on GDM diagnosis and insulin treatment during GDM in pregnancy and was included in the models as an interaction term. The mediating effects of subsequent diabetes and hypertension prior to kidney disease were quantified using mediation analyses. Data from 697,622 women were used. Median follow-up was 11.9 years. GDM was associated with higher risk of CKD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.92; 95% CI 1.67-2.21), whereas acute kidney disease was unrelated to GDM. The proportions of indirect effects of diabetes and hypertension on the association between GDM and CKD were 75.7% (95% CI 61.8-89.6) and 30.3% (95% CI 25.2-35.4), respectively, as assessed by mediation analyses. The CKD risk was significantly increased in women with insulin-treated GDM and no subsequent diabetes compared with women without GDM (aHR 2.35; 95% CI 1.39-3.97). The risk of CKD was significantly elevated after GDM irrespective of subsequent development of diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, women with severe metabolic dysfunction during pregnancy had the highest CKD risk.

Liraglutide treatment for the prevention of glucose tolerance deterioration in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus: A 52-week randomized controlled clinical trial.

We investigated the effect of 52-week treatment with liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, on glucose tolerance and incretin effect in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM). Women with overweight/obesity and pGDM were randomized to once daily subcutaneous liraglutide 1.8 mg or placebo for 52 weeks. Participants underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and isoglycaemic intravenous glucose infusion at baseline and at 52 weeks, and an additional OGTT after the drug wash-out. In total, 104 women [age: mean ± SD, 38 ± 5 years; fasting plasma glucose (FPG): 5.5 ± 0.4 mmol/L; glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): 33 ± 4 mmol/mol, bodyweight: 88.2 ± 14.8 kg, body mass index: 31.1 ± 4.3 kg/m2 ] were assigned to liraglutide (n = 49) or placebo (n = 55). Estimated treatment difference (ETD) for area under curve during OGTT was -173 (95% confidence interval -250 to -97) mmol/L × min, p < .0001, but after wash-out the difference disappeared [ETD 58 (-30 to 146) mmol/L × min, p = .536]. Liraglutide reduced FPG [ETD -0.2 (-0.4 to -0.1) mmol/L, p = .018], HbA1c [-2.2 (-3.5 to -0.8) mmol/mol, p = .018] and bodyweight [-3.9 (-6.2 to -1.6) kg, p = .012]. No change in the incretin effect was observed. The number of women with prediabetes was reduced from 64% to 10% with liraglutide vs. 50% with placebo [adjusted odds ratio 0.10 (0.03-0.32), p = .002]. Treatment with liraglutide for 52 weeks improved glucose tolerance, FPG, HbA1c and bodyweight in women with overweight/obesity and pGDM. Progression to prediabetes while on drug was markedly reduced, but after a 1-week drug wash-out, the effect was lost.

Interaction of Iron Homeostasis and Fatty Acid Metabolism in the Development of Glucose Intolerance in Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

A gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis during pregnancy means an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. By following up with women after GDM we aimed to examine the relationship between iron parameters, individual fatty acids (FAs) and desaturases in the development of impaired glucose metabolism (IGM). Based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), six years after GDM, 157 women were grouped as having normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or IGM. Fasting serum FAs, activity of desaturases and iron parameters (ferritin, transferrin, iron, soluble transferrin receptor, total iron binding capacity, hepcidin) were measured, and clinical and anthropometric measurements taken. Soluble transferrin receptor was higher in the IGM group compared to the NGT group (3.87 vs. 3.29 mg/L, p-value = 0.023) and associated positively with saturated FAs and negatively with monounsaturated FAs in the IGM group (adjusted for BMI, age and high sensitivity C-reactive protein; p-value < 0.05). Iron, as well as transferrin saturation, showed a positive association with MUFAs and desaturase activity. These associations were not seen in the NGT group. These results suggest that iron homeostasis and FA metabolism interact in the development of glucose intolerance in women with previous GDM.

A Brazilian cohort of pregnant women with overt diabetes: analyses of risk factors using a machine learning technique.

Pregnancy complicated by type 2 diabetes is rising, while data on type 2 diabetes first diagnosed in pregnancy (overt diabetes) are scarce. We aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of pregnant women with overt diabetes, compare them to those with known pregestational diabetes, and evaluate the potential predictors for the diagnosis of overt diabetes. A retrospective cohort study including all pregnant women with type 2 diabetes evaluated in two public hospitals in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from May 20, 2005, to June 30, 2021. Classic and obstetric factors associated with type 2 diabetes risk were compared between the two groups, using machine learning techniques and multivariable analysis with Poisson regression. Overt diabetes occurred in 33% (95% confidence interval: 29%-37%) of 646 women. Characteristics of women with known or unknown type 2 diabetes were similar; excessive weight was the most common risk factor, affecting ~90% of women. Age >30 years and positive family history of diabetes were inversely related to a diagnosis of overt diabetes, while previous delivery of a macrosomic baby behaved as a risk factor in younger multiparous women; previous gestational diabetes and chronic hypertension were not relevant risk factors. Characteristics of women with overt diabetes are similar to those of women with pregestational diabetes. Classic risk factors for diabetes not included in current questionnaires can help identify women at risk of type 2 diabetes before they become pregnant.

Development of ALOHa-G Risk Score for Detecting Postpartum Dyslipidemia Among Normoglycemic Women with Previous Gestational Diabetes: Observational Cohort Study.

Previous gestational diabetes (pGD) is associated with a high risk of postpartum dyslipidemia (pD). Our study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of pD and estimating the risk for pD based on metabolic pregnancy parameters in normoglycemic women with pGD. 147 women with pGD and normoglycemia after delivery were divided into groups: A (n = 63) with pD and B (n = 84) with normal lipids, defined by theNational Cholesterol Education Program'sExpert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) Final Report (NCEP ATP III). We recorded age, body mass index (BMI) at conception, fasting glucose (FG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (Tg), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) measured mid-pregnancy and 1-6months after delivery. GD was diagnosed by 2h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between the 24th and the 28th week of gestation, which was repeated after delivery to confirm normoglycemia. 42.8% had pD (group A) while 57.2% had normal lipids (group B). Group A was older (36.8 ± 2.7) than B (33.0 ± 4.2years, p < 0.001) and had a higher BMI (A 31.2 ± 6.4 vs. B 25.5 ± 2.4kg/m2, p < 0.001). Simultaneously, HbA1c and FG were higher in group A (5.4 ± 0.3, 5.1 ± 0.4) than B (5.2 ± 0.0%, p = 0.001; 4.8 ± 0.0mmol/L, p < 0.001). Also, group A had higher TC, LDL-c, and Tg [6.6 (6.1-6.9); 4.2 ± 0.4; 2.9 ± 0.8] compared to B [6.2 (5.4-6.9), p < 0.001; 3.4 ± 0.9, p = 0.001; 2.5 ± 0.6, p < 0.001], while the two groups had comparable HDL-c (A: 1.2 ± 0.3 vs. B: 1.2 ± 0.2mmol/L, p = 0.998). Calculating the cutoff for age, BMI, HbA1c, FG, LDL-c, and Tg (> 35years, 26.4kg/m2, 5.2%, 4.8, 3.9 and 2.7mmol/L, respectively), univariate regression analysis showed a difference for each (p < 0.001). Allocating 1 point to each predictor, we developed ALOHa G score, which showed high accuracy (AUC 0.931, p<0.001) for risk of pD in normoglycemic women with pGD. According to the ALOHa-G score, more women in group A were at high risk (≥ 4) and medium risk (= 3) (61.9; 34.9) for pD than in group B (4.8; 14.3), with a lower percentage at low risk for PD (≤ 2) in group A than in group B (3.2 vs. 81.0%). Our results implied a remarkable occurrence of pD in normoglycemic women with pGD. Also, the ALOHa-G score was developed based on pregnancy metabolic predictors and could be used to identify normoglycemic women with pGD who are at high risk for pD.

Psychiatric Morbidity in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Register-Based Cohort Study.

To investigate associations between previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and incident psychiatric morbidity, and to explore the role of subsequent diabetes development in psychiatric morbidity risk. A nationwide register-based cohort study including all women delivering in Denmark from 1997 to 2018 was conducted. GDM exposure was based on diagnosis code, whereas psychiatric morbidity outcome was based on diagnosis code and psychopharmacological medication use. Multiple Cox regression and mediation analyses were performed. In a study population of 660,017 women, previous GDM was associated with increased risk of depression based on diagnosis code and/or medication use (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.22 [95% CI 1.18-1.27]), any psychiatric diagnosis (aHR 1.20 [95% CI 1.13-1.27]), and any psychopharmacological medication use (aHR 1.21 [95% CI 1.17-1.25]). Moreover, risk of depressive and anxiety disorders, as well as antidepressant and antipsychotic medication use, was increased, with aHRs ranging from 1.14 (95% CI 1.05-1.25) to 1.32 (95% CI 1.22-1.42). No associations were found regarding substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, postpartum psychiatric disease, or anxiolytic medication use. Psychiatric morbidity risk was higher in women with versus without subsequent diabetes development. However, GDM history affected risk estimates only in women without subsequent diabetes. Subsequent diabetes mediated 35-42% of the associations between GDM and psychiatric morbidity. GDM was associated with increased psychiatric morbidity risk. Subsequent diabetes development played a significant role in future psychiatric morbidity risk after GDM, although it only partly explained the association.

IDF2022-0900 Diabetes Risk Perception in Women with previous Gestational Diabetes – analysis of a multi-ethnic cohort

IDF2022-0900 Diabetes Risk Perception in Women with previous Gestational Diabetes – analysis of a multi-ethnic cohort

Barriers to and enablers of type 2 diabetes screening among women with prior gestational diabetes: A qualitative study applying the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Guidelines recommend postnatal diabetes screening (oral glucose tolerance test or HbA1c) typically 6-12 weeks after birth, with screening maintained at regular intervals thereafter. Despite this, around half of women are not screened, representing a critical missed opportunity for early identification of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. While policy and practice-level recommendations are comprehensive, those at the personal-level primarily focus on increasing screening knowledge and risk perception, potentially missing other influential behavioral determinants. We aimed to identify modifiable, personal-level factors impacting postpartum type 2 diabetes screening among Australian women with prior gestational diabetes and recommend intervention functions and behavior change techniques to underpin intervention content. Semi-structured interviews with participants recruited via Australia's National Gestational Diabetes Register, using a guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Using an inductive-deductive approach, we coded data to TDF domains. We used established criteria to identify 'important' domains which we then mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model. Nineteen women participated: 34 ± 4 years, 19 ± 4 months postpartum, 63% Australian-born, 90% metropolitan, 58% screened for T2D according to guidelines. Eight TDF domains were identified: 'knowledge', 'memory, attention, and decision-making processes', 'environmental context and resources', 'social influences', 'emotion', 'beliefs about consequences', 'social role and identity', and 'beliefs about capabilities'. Study strengths include a methodologically rigorous design; limitations include low recruitment and homogenous sample. This study identified numerous modifiable barriers and enablers to postpartum T2D screening for women with prior GDM. By mapping to the COM-B, we identified intervention functions and behavior change techniques to underpin intervention content. These findings provide a valuable evidence base for developing messaging and interventions that target the behavioral determinants most likely to optimize T2D screening uptake among women with prior GDM. .

Randomized controlled trial of prepregnancy lifestyle intervention to reduce recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus

Preconception lifestyle intervention holds potential for reducing gestational diabetes mellitus, but clinical trial data are lacking. This study aimed to determine the effects of a prepregnancy weight loss intervention on gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence in women with overweight/obesity and previous gestational diabetes mellitus. A 2-site, randomized controlled trial comparing a prepregnancy lifestyle intervention with educational control was conducted between December 2017 and February 2022. A total of 199 English- and Spanish-speaking adults with overweight/obesity and previous gestational diabetes mellitus were randomized to a 16-week prepregnancy lifestyle intervention with ongoing treatment until conception or educational control. The primary outcome was gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence. Analyses excluded 6 participants who conceived but did not have gestational diabetes mellitus ascertained by standard methods. In the 63 (33%) women who conceived and had gestational diabetes mellitus ascertained (Ns=38/102 [37%] intervention vs 25/91 [28.0%] control; P=.17), those in the intervention group had significantly greater weight loss at 16 weeks compared with controls (4.8 [3.4-6.0] vs 0.7 [-0.9 to 2.3] kg; P=.001) and a greater proportion lost ≥5% of body weight (50.0% [17/34] vs 13.6% [3/22]; P=.005). There was no significant difference in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence between the intervention (57.9% [ns=23/38]) and the control group (44.0% [ns=11/25]; odds ratio, 1.8 [0.59-5.8]). Independent of group, greater prepregnancy weight loss predicted 21% lower odds of gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence (odds ratio, 0.79 [0.66-0.94]; P=.008). A ≥5% weight loss before conception reduced the odds of gestational diabetes mellitus recurrence by 82% (odds ratio, 0.18 [0.04-0.88]; P=.03). Lifestyle intervention produced considerable prepregnancy weight loss but did not affect gestational diabetes mellitus rates. Given that the conception rate was 50% lower than expected, this study was underpowered.

Lifestyle intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To determine whether current evidence supports lifestyle intervention for type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention in women with previous gestational diabetes (GD). We systematically searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Global Health, Sinomed and Clinicaltrials.gov for randomized controlled trials (published from 1 January 1950 to 14 December 2022) comparing lifestyle intervention with standard care in women with previous GD. Our primary outcome was incident T2D, with pooled estimates calculated by a fixed-effects model. Of 1652 studies identified, 13 were eligible and were included in our analysis (N=3745 women). Compared with standard care, lifestyle intervention yielded a reduction of 24% in the incidence of T2D (relative risk 0.76 [95% CI 0.63-0.93]). Meta-regression analyses revealed no impact of the duration of lifestyle intervention (P=.81) or baseline body mass index (P=.90) on the observed reduction in incident T2D. Importantly, this published literature shows evidence of publication bias on funnel plot and Egger test (P=.048). Current published evidence suggests that lifestyle intervention can reduce the risk of T2D in women with prior GD. However, this finding should be interpreted with caution in the presence of documented publication bias.

Follow-up and screening for type-2 diabetes mellitus in women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care

Objective Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that is possible to prevent by systematic follow-up and preventive measures. The aim of this study was to examine whether women with previous GDM were offered follow-up in primary care, according to Swedish national guidelines. Design Retrospective review of electronic medical records. Setting Primary care in southern Sweden, Skåne county. Subjects Women who received a GDM diagnosis in 2018 at the Endocrinology department, Skåne University Hospital in Lund. The study population consisted of a total number of 161 patients, whereof 83 patients were included. Main outcome measures Whether primary care offered follow-up for T2DM after GDM and if any communication took place between secondary and primary care. Furthermore, it was examined whether the quality of the follow-up was in accordance with the national guidelines. Results Of the study population, a total of 29% (n = 24) had been followed-up by primary care. In 55% (n = 46) of the cases, there was no communication between secondary and primary care. Plasma glucose was checked in all (n = 20) cases where follow-up could be evaluated. Conversations about lifestyle habits took place in 70% (n = 14) of the cases. Weight and risk factors for cardiovascular disease were controlled in less than half (n = 9) of the patients. Lifestyle advice was offered in two cases and in 24% (n = 20) of the cases an annual check-up was planned. Conclusions The follow-up of women with previous GDM in primary care in southern Sweden was lacking in seven out of 10 cases and showed great potential for improvement. Key Points Gestational diabetes is an established risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Earlier research has recognized that risk reduction is possible by systematic follow-up and preventive measures, but the extent of follow-up in primary care in southern Sweden remains unknown. This study demonstrates a lack of follow-up according to national guidelines for women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care in southern Sweden. There is great potential to improve the care of these patients with relatively simple means.

A kind reminder-A qualitative process evaluation of women's perspectives on receiving a reminder of type 2 diabetes follow-up screening after gestational diabetes.

Women with previous gestational diabetesmellitus(GDM) are more than eight times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to women without GDM. Annual follow-up T2DM-screening is recommended, but participation rates decrease rapidly after the first year. In the North Denmark Region, an electronic reminder has been tested with the aim of improving follow-up care for women with prior GDM. The aim of this study was to explore women's perspectives on receiving an electronic reminder, and the role of reminders in both women's decision-making and informed choice regarding participation in follow-up screening. A qualitative process evaluation informed by a critical realistic perspective. Data consisted of 20 semi-structured interviews with women previously diagnosed with GDM who had received the reminder. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The reminder affected women's decision-making and informed choices through a range of mechanisms. Its personalized design prompted feelings of co-responsibility and care from the healthcare system, supported continuity in women's care pathways, and helped women bridge the gap between healthcare sectors. Women's perception of diabetes risk and the importance of follow-up influenced their decision-making. Participation in follow-up screening was influenced by several contextual factors, as women's everyday life impeded their prioritizing follow-up screening. Women who experienced being met by their general practitioner (GP) with acknowledgement rather than stigmatization and received supportive information tailored to their life situation were more motivated to participate in future follow-up screenings. The reminder indicated both concern and co-responsibility for women's follow-up care after GDM and was well received by the women. It supported participation in follow-up screening through an emphasis on shared decision-making and informed choice. Women's interaction with their GP played a significant role.

The gut microbiome of obese postpartum women with and without previous gestational diabetes mellitus and the gut microbiota of their babies

BackgroundThe incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide, and has been associated with some changes in the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that the maternal gut microbiota pattern with hyperglycemia can be transmitted to the offspring. The study aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota of obese postpartum women with and without previous GDM and their offspring.MethodsWe evaluated a total of 84 puerperal women who had (n = 40) or not GDM (n = 44), and their infants were also included. Stool samples were obtained 2–6 months after delivery. The molecular profile of the fecal microbiota was obtained by sequencing V4 region of 16S rRNA gene (Illumina® MiSeq).ResultsWe found that the gut microbiota structures of the puerperal women and their infants were similar. Stratifying according to the type of delivery, the relative abundance of Victivallis genus was higher in women who had natural delivery. Exposure to exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a greater abundance of Bacteroides and Staphylococcus. The differential abundance test showed correlations to clinical and laboratory parameters. This work showed no difference in the microbiota of obese puerperal women with and without GDM and their offspring. However, breastfeeding contributed to the ecological succession of the intestinal microbiota of the offspring.ConclusionThis work can contribute to understanding the potential effects of GDM and early life events on the gut microbiome of mothers and their offspring and its possible role in metabolism later in life.

Endocrine disease history and the risk of postpartum depression.

Previous research has suggested that some women are at increased risk of postpartum depression (PPD) because of an extra sensitivity to fluctuating hormones before and after parturition. This may particularly apply to women with endocrine disease, characterised by a less than optimal capability to self-regulate the hormonal feedback system. To investigate if women with endocrine disease history are at increased risk of developing PPD. Based on information from Danish national registers, this nationwide cohort study included 888 989 deliveries (1995-2018). Endocrine disease history was defined as thyroid disease, pre-pregnancy diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and/or previous gestational diabetes within 10 years before pregnancy start. PPD was defined as use of antidepressants and/or hospital contact for depression within 6 months after childbirth. Among 888 989 deliveries, 4.1% had a history of endocrine disease and 0.5% had a PPD episode. Overall, women with an endocrine disease history had a 42% (risk ratio 1.42, 95% CI 1.24-1.62) higher risk of PPD when compared with women with no endocrine disease. However, we also found the reverse association, whereby women with a PPD history had a 50% (hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.4-1.6) higher risk of endocrine disease when compared with women with no PPD history. Women with endocrine disease history had a 40% higher risk of PPD compared with women with no endocrine disease. More attention should be given to pregnant women with endocrine disease history to increase awareness of early signs of PPD. The bi-directionality of the association points to a common underlying factor.

Pre-pregnancy health of women with pre-existing diabetes or previous gestational diabetes: Analysis of pregnancy risk factors and behavioural data from a digital tool.

To examine health behaviours and risk factors in women with pre-existing diabetes or previous gestational diabetes mellitus who are planning pregnancy. Health behaviour, risk factor and demographic data obtained from a digital pregnancy planning advisory tool (Tommy's charity UK) were analysed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, stratified by diabetes type. Data from 84,359 women, including 668 with type 1 diabetes, 707 with type 2 diabetes and 1785 with previous gestational diabetes obtained over a 12-month period (September 2019-September 2020) were analysed. 65%, 95%CI (61,68%) of women with type 2 diabetes and 46%, 95%CI (43,48%) with previous gestational diabetes were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2 ), compared with 26%, 95%CI (26,26%) without diabetes. Use of folic acid supplements was low; 41%, 95%CI (40,41%) of women without diabetes and 42%, 95%CI (40,45%) with previous gestational diabetes reported taking folic acid (any dose) while 47%, 95%CI (43.50%) women with type 1 diabetes and 44%, 95%CI (40,47%) women with type 2 diabetes respectively reported taking the recommended dose (5mg). More women with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes reported smoking (20%, 95%CI [17,23%] and 23%, 95%CI [20,26%] respectively) and taking illicit/recreational drugs (7%, 95%CI [6,10%] and 9%, 95% CI [7,11%]) compared to women without diabetes (smoking 17%, 95% CI [16,17%], drug use 5%, 95%CI [5,5%]). Alcohol consumption, low levels of physical activity and of fruit and vegetable intake were also evident. This study highlights the potential of online pregnancy planning advisory tools to reach high-risk women and emphasises the need to improve pre-pregnancy care for women with pre-existing diabetes and previous gestational diabetes, many of whom are actively seeking advice. It is also the first to describe pre-pregnancy health behaviours in women with previous gestational diabetes.

Reference intervals for clinical biochemistry and haematology tests during normal pregnancy.

Pregnancy induces physiological changes which affect biochemical and haematological parameters. As the significance of laboratory test results change throughout pregnancy, the reference interval (RI) or key result interpretive guide should be specific to pregnancy. This study sought to establish trimester-specific-RIs for routine biochemical and haematological tests in healthy white European women with singleton pregnancies with comparison to RIs for non-pregnant European adults. A retrospective analysis of a prospective longitudinal single-centre study of healthy pregnant women conducted between November 2018 and December 2020 in a tertiary academic hospital with approximately 3000 births annually. Inclusion criteria: signed informed consent, age ≥18 years, white European, body mass index (BMI) <25kg/m2, blood pressure <140/90mmHg, non-smoker, no previous pathology or gestational diabetes. Trimester defined as T1: up to 13 weeks + 6 days, T2: 14-27 weeks + 6 days and T3: ≥28-41 weeks + 6 days. Baseline demographics, anthropometric and laboratory measurements were recorded. In total, 31 biochemical and 10 haematological ISO15189:2012 accredited tests were measured using Roche Cobas® and Sysmex XN-9100™ analysers, respectively. RIs were established according to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) recommended method. Apparently healthy pregnant women (n = 124) with bio-banked serum samples in each trimester were recruited. At the booking visit, 49.2% (n = 61) of participants were nulliparous, with median age of 34.4 (IQR: 31.3-37.3) years, gestational age of 89 (IQR: 84-93) days, BMI of 22.5 (IQR: 21.0-23.7) kg/m2 and systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 116 (110-125) mmHg and 67 (61-75) mmHg, respectively. Normative trimester-specific biological intervals for routinely requested biochemical and haematological medical laboratory tests were established. These RIs will be invaluable to result interpretation and the management of pregnant women.