Central Obesity Increases the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Partially Through Increasing Insulin Resistance

Early Pregnancy Waist Circumference for Prediction of Fetal Macrosomia

Fetal macrosomia is associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes for the mother and the child. Present models to predict fetal macrosomia cannot be used in all settings, and their precision could be improved. We assessed if waist circumference could replace or outperform weight for early pregnancy prediction of macrosomia. We included 5827 women in this population-based cohort study and assessed the influence of early pregnancy waist circumference and weight on the prediction of macrosomia with logistic regression analysis. We generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated the area under the curve (AUC) to compare models, including waist circumference, weight, or neither of them. The odds of macrosomia increased with a larger waist circumference (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.03 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.02, 1.04)). For women with waist circumference between 80 and 88 cm the AOR was 1.41 (95% CI 1.09, 1.82) and women with waist circumference ≥ 88 cm had AOR 1.98 (95% CI 1.56, 2.53) for macrosomia. There was no difference in predictive capacity between waist circumference and weight in the macrosomia prediction model. The AUC was 0.75 (95% CI 0.72, 0.77) for waist circumference and 0.74 (95% CI 0.72, 0.77) for weight. The model that excluded waist circumference and weight had an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI 0.70, 0.75). The predictive capacity of the model including waist circumference was, however, higher than that of the model without waist circumference or weight (p < 0.001). In conclusion, waist circumference can replace weight in an early pregnancy macrosomia prediction model.

Impact of interpregnancy weight change on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus during a second pregnancy in Chinese population: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the impact of interpregnancy weight changes (IPWC) on the gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the second pregnancy.

DESIGN

A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted in China.

SETTING

Data were collected in Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from 2013 January to 2021 February.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants include women who had two consecutive singleton deliveries after 28 gestational weeks (n=2372).

OUTCOMES

The GDM in the second pregnancy (s-GDM) was set as the outcome.

METHODS

IPWC was defined as the change in body mass index between the first trimester of the second pregnancy and that of the first pregnancy, categorised into four groups with -1 kg/m² to <1 kg/m² as the reference. Adjusted ORs (aORs) with 95% CIs attained from multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the association between IPWC and s-GDM, in both total subjects and stratified subgroups.

RESULTS

In the overall analysis, s-GDM was found to be significantly associated with IPWC value (aOR 1.111; 95% CI 1.038 to 1.190) and an IPWC category of ≥3 kg/m² (aOR 1.821; 95% CI 1.197 to 2.772). In the stratified analysis, the significant association between IPWC ≥3 kg/m² and s-GDM was evident only in the subgroups of an interpregnancy interval (IPI) of less than 36 months (aOR 2.210, 95% CI 1.251 to 3.904), under the age of 35 (aOR 1.854, 95% CI 1.204 to 2.857), non-diabetic status in the first pregnancy (f-ND) (aOR 1.872, 95% CI 1.143 to 3.065) and those with normal weight in the first pregnancy (aOR 1.936, 95% CI 1.174 to 3.193). The significant association between IPWC value and s-GDM was also shown only in these subgroups (p<0.05). In f-DN subgroup, even an IPWC category of 1 kg/m² to <3 kg/m² was significantly associated with s-GDM (aOR 1.486, 95% CI 1.044 to 2.117). IPWC < -1 kg/m² was not significantly associated with s-GDM either in the overall analysis or in the stratified analysis (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

An IPWC of 3 kg/m² or higher may increase the risk of s-GDM, particularly among women with an IPI of less than 36 months, those under 35 years old, individuals without diabetes, or those with normal weight during their first pregnancy. The potential influence of prior GDM on the relationship between IPWC and s-GDM warrants further investigation.

Common obesity-related anthropometric indices and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Anthropometric measurement provides a simple, noninvasive approach to evaluate obesity in pregnant women. We aimed to develop a predictive model utilizing anthropometric index for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the most common obesity-related complications during pregnancy.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 4709 women was enrolled in Qingdao, China. Logistic regression model was constructed to determine the association of body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in the first trimester (<14 weeks' gestation) with GDM. The discrimination ability for GDM was assessed using areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Delong tests were performed to compare AUC values between different measures.

RESULTS

The GDM incidence was 19.50%. GDM risk increased with VAT during early pregnancy, and the risk increased by 117% (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.23-2.83) to 326% (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.29-7.91) in pregnant women with the second quartile or above after adjusting for confounders (all p<.05). Combined index using VAT and BMI demonstrated superior predictive power for GDM compared with BMI alone (p<.05), but didn't differ from VAT (p>.05). Overall, VAT was positively correlated with GDM occurrence, outperforming BMI, WHR, WHtR and SAT in the predicative model. A first-trimester VAT cutoff of 27.05 mm might be promising for GDM risk stratification.

CONCLUSIONS

First-trimester routine ultrasound screening may facilitate earlier identification and intervention of GDM. Pregnant women with VAT above the optimal threshold (27.05 mm) might benefit from targeted GDM monitoring.

The Association Between Maternal Body Fat Percentage and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body fat percentage (BFP) and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods We conducted a cohort study involving 336 singleton pregnant women attending an antenatal care clinic before 14 weeks of gestation. Body composition was measured during their first antenatal visit by using a multi-frequency segmental body composition analyzer. GDM was diagnosed by a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during the first visit and repeated during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Rates of GDM were compared between women with BFP ≥30% and those with BFP <30%. The ability of BFP and body mass index (BMI) to diagnose GDM was assessed, as well as their correlation. Results Of the 296 women included in the analysis, 171 had BFP ≥30%, and 125 had BFP <30%. The prevalence of GDM was 17.9%. BFP correlated well with BMI (correlation coefficient: 0.956, p<0.001). BFP ≥30% and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 significantly increased the risk of GDM (22.2% vs. 12%, p=0.023 and 26.4% vs. 14.4%, p=0.014, respectively). The sensitivity of BFP ≥30% and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 for GDM diagnosis was 71.1% and 43.3%, respectively while the specificity was 45.3% and 73.7%, respectively. Both BFP and BMI had comparable efficacy in diagnosing GDM [areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) of 0.634 and 0.642, respectively]. Conclusions BFP ≥30% and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 significantly increased the risk of GDM. BFP correlated well with BMI and had similar efficacy in diagnosing GDM.

Are miR-26a and miR-26b microRNAs potent prognostic markers of gestational diabetes?

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a common public health problem, accompanied by complications for the mother and fetus. So, introducing new biomarkers to identify early diabetes is essential. As serum miRNAs are potentially appropriate markers, we investigated miR-26a and miR-26b expression levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes.

Method

Demographic and clinical characteristics of 40 gestational diabetic patients and 40 healthy controls were assessed. The expression level of miR-26a and miR-26b microRNAs was measured by real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was done with GraphPad Prism software (version 8.4.3).

Result

The findings of this study showed that the expression level of miR-26a and miR-26b increased in women with gestational diabetes compared with healthy pregnant women, but the increase in expression was only significant for miR-26a (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the statistical and ROC curves, we suggest miR-26a as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.

The effect of circulating adiponectin levels on incident gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta‑analysis

BACKGROUND

To quantitatively synthesize evidence from prospective observational studies regarding the mean levels of circulating adiponectin in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the association between adiponectin levels and GDM risk.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from their inception until November 8th, 2022, for nested case-control studies and cohort studies. Random-effect models were applied to the synthesized effect sizes. The difference in circulating adiponectin levels between the GDM and control groups was measured using the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The relationship between circulating adiponectin levels and GDM risk was examined using the combined odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the study continent, GDM risk in the study population, study design, gestational weeks of circulating adiponectin detection, GDM diagnostic criteria, and study quality. Sensitivity and cumulative analyses were performed to evaluate the stability of the meta-analysis. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger's test.

RESULTS

The 28 studies included 13 cohort studies and 15 nested case-control studies, containing 12,256 pregnant women in total. The mean adiponectin level in GDM patients was significantly lower than in controls (SMD = -1.514, 95% CI = -2.400 to -0.628, p = .001, I² = 99%). The risk of GDM was significantly decreased among pregnant women with increasing levels of circulating adiponectin (OR = 0.368, 95% CI = 0.271-0.500, p < .001, I²=83%). There were no significant differences between the subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that increasing circulating adiponectin levels were inversely associated with the risk of GDM. Given the inherent heterogeneity and publication bias of the included studies, further well-designed large-scale prospective cohort or intervention studies are needed to confirm our finding.

Overweight/obesity and other predictors of gestational diabetes among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal women in Western Australia

This population-based study investigated the association of BMI and other predictors with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among Australian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers. We conducted a state-wide retrospective cohort study that included all singleton births in Western Australia (n = 134,552) between 2012 and 2015 using population health datasets linked by the Western Australian Data Linkage Branch. Associations between GDM and its predictors were estimated as adjusted relative risks (aRRs) from multivariable generalised linear models. Adjusted ratio of relative risks (aRRRs) compared RRs in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal mothers. Adjusted population attributable fractions estimated the contribution of overweight/obesity to GDM burden, and adjusted predicted probabilities for GDM were plotted against BMI levels. The following predictors had stronger associations with GDM in Aboriginal, compared to non-Aboriginal, mothers: maternal obesity (aRR [95% CI] 3.16 [2.54-3.93]; aRRR 1.57 [1.26-1.94]), previous LGA (aRR 1.70 [1.37-2.12]; aRRR 1.41 [1.13-1.76]) and previous macrosomia (birthweight ≥ 4 kg) (aRR 1.55 [1.24-1.94]; aRRR 1.53 [1.22-1.91]). 46.1% (95% CI: 36.6-54.1) of GDM cases in Aboriginal women (23.3% in non-Aboriginal mothers, 95% CI: 21.6-25.1) were attributed to overweight/obesity. Compared to non-Aboriginal mothers, adjusted GDM probabilities were higher at all BMI levels and showed greater increase with BMI. Overweight/obesity is a key driver of GDM among Aboriginal women. Association between BMI and GDM is stronger in Aboriginal, compared to non-Aboriginal, women especially at higher BMI.

Healthy lifestyle scores associate with incidence of type 2 diabetes mediated by uric acid

BACKGROUND

Whether and to what extent serum uric acid (SUA) mediates the association between combined lifestyle behaviors and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of SUA in the relationship between healthy lifestyle scores (HLS) and the incidence of T2DM.

METHODS

This prospective study used data from Zhejiang Metabolic Syndrome cohort. A HLS (5-point scale including healthy waist circumference (WC), never smoking, high physical activity, healthy diet and moderate alcohol intake) was estimated in 13,919 participants, who had SUA at baseline examination in 2009-2014, and were followed-up to 2021-2022 to ascertain incident of T2DM. Cox proportional hazards models and mediation analysis were used to examine the associations between HLS, SUA and T2DM.

RESULTS

We included 13,919 participants aged 18 years or older without diabetes at baseline (mean age 54.6 [SD 13.9] years, 58.7% female). During a median follow-up of 9.94 years, 645 cases of T2DM occurred. Compared with participants with a poor HLS, those with 4-5 low-risk lifestyle factors showed a 60% reduction in the risk of developing T2DM (adjusted HR, 0.40; 95% CI: 0.28-0.57). Further, the population-attributable risk percent (95% CI) of T2DM for poor adherence to the overall healthy lifestyle (< 4 low-risk factors) was 43.24% (30.02%, 56.46%). The HLS was inversely associated with SUA level. With per score increased in HLS, the beta (95% CI) of SUA (log transformed) was - 0.03 (- 0.03, - 0.02), and the odds ratio (95% CI) of hyperuricemia was 0.82 (0.77, 0.86). The relationship between the HLS and risk of T2DM was mediated by SUA with a 13.06% mediation effect. There was no significant combined effect of HLS and SUA on risk of T2DM (P = 0.097).

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between overall healthy lifestyle behaviors and T2DM was reconfirmed and the association appeared to be mediated by SUA. The mediation effect of baseline SUA was more pronounced among women who were below 60 years old.

The association between a single abnormal glucose and fetal c-peptide

AIM

We aimed to evaluated if fetuses of subjects with one elevated value on the 3-h GTT had a measurable physiologic difference in fetal C-peptide levels as compared to those with no elevated values on the GTT.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study to evaluate insulin levels in singleton non-anomalous fetuses of subjects with one elevated value on the GTT as compared to subjects with no elevated values on their GTT. Fetal insulin levels were measured by fetal C-peptide in cord blood. Distribution of data was assessed and outliers representing values > the 99th and < the 1st percentiles were excluded. Data were log transformed to achieve normal distribution and univariable analyses were performed to compare fetal C-peptide levels, baseline maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes in subjects with one elevated value as compared those with no elevated values.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 99 subjects, with 49 subjects in the one elevated value group and 50 subjects in the no elevated values group. Fetal C-peptide levels (picomoles per liters, pmol/L), were significantly higher in the elevated value group as compared to the no elevated value group (mean ± SD; 4.6 ± 0.8 vs. 4.3 ± 0.7, P = 0.046, respectively). In univariable analysis, there was no significant difference in maternal characteristics or adverse composite perinatal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Fetuses of subjects who had one elevated value on their GTT had a measurable physiologic difference in C-peptide levels as compared to fetuses of subjects with no elevated values on the GTT.

Differential Associations of 6 Adiposity Indices With Dementia in Older Adults: The MIND-China Study

OBJECTIVES

The cross-sectional association between late-life obesity and dementia is often explained by the obesity paradox. We assessed the potential differential associations of various adiposity indices with dementia and subtypes of dementia in rural Chinese older adults.

DESIGN

A population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 5277 participants (age ≥60 years; 57.23% female) who were living in rural communities and were examined in March-September 2018 for MIND-China.

METHODS

We used weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) to calculate 6 adiposity indices: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and Conicity Index (ConI). Dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were clinically diagnosed following the international criteria. Data were analyzed with logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 5277 participants, 303 were diagnosed with dementia, including 193 with AD and 99 with VaD. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of dementia associated with the highest (vs lowest) quintile of adiposity index was 2.32 (1.40-3.85) for WWI, 1.56 (1.03-2.36) for ABSI, and 1.40 (0.92-2.11) for ConI. Similarly, higher levels of these 3 adiposity indices were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of AD, whereas a higher BMI was associated with a decreased likelihood of AD. None of the 6 examined adiposity indices was significantly associated with VaD when adjusting for multiple confounders.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The adiposity index WWI is linearly associated with the likelihood of dementia and AD. An increased WWI may be a clinical marker for the dementia syndrome and Alzheimer's dementia.

An Update on the Molecular and Cellular Basis of Pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic illness with an increasing global prevalence. More than 537 million cases of diabetes were reported worldwide in 2021, and the number is steadily increasing. The worldwide number of people suffering from DM is projected to reach 783 million in 2045. In 2021 alone, more than USD 966 billion was spent on the management of DM. Reduced physical activity due to urbanization is believed to be the major cause of the increase in the incidence of the disease, as it is associated with higher rates of obesity. Diabetes poses a risk for chronic complications such as nephropathy, angiopathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. Hence, the successful management of blood glucose is the cornerstone of DM therapy. The effective management of the hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes includes physical exercise, diet and therapeutic interventions (insulin, biguanides, second generation sulfonylureas, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, amylin mimetics, meglitinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and bile acid sequestrants). The optimal and timely treatment of DM improves the quality of life and reduces the severe burden of the disease for patients. Genetic testing, examining the roles of different genes involved in the pathogenesis of DM, may also help to achieve optimal DM management in the future by reducing the incidence of DM and by enhancing the use of individualized treatment regimens.

The Association Between Body Fat Index and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

 Body mass index (BMI) has commonly been used to evaluate the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but BMI does not always represent body fat mass distribution. Body fat index (BFI), which includes the measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), has been suggested to be a better predictor for GDM than BMI.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to compare the risk of GDM among pregnant females with BFI of >0.5 and ≤0.5.

METHODS

Maternal abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) thickness were measured by ultrasonography before 14 weeks of gestation, and BFI was calculated (VAT×SAT/height). The study group was 160 females with BFI of >0.5, and the comparison group was 80 females with BFI of ≤0.5. All females received GDM screening during the first antenatal visit and at 24-28 weeks of gestation. The rate of GDM was compared between the two groups. The correlation between BFI and BMI and their diagnostic ability for GDM were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent associated factors for GDM.

RESULTS

Females with BFI of >0.5 were significantly older (p=0.033) and had higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) and were more likely to be overweight or obese (p<0.001). BFI correlated well with BMI (correlation coefficient of 0.736, p<0.001). GDM was significantly more common in females with BFI of >0.5 (24.4% versus 11.3%, p=0.017). The diagnostic ability for GDM between BFI and BMI was similar (areas under receiver operating characteristic {ROC} curves of 0.641 and 0.646, respectively). Significant independent risk factors for GDM were a BFI of >0.5 and a BMI of ≥25 kg/m² (adjusted odds ratio {OR}, 3.8; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.5-9.2), age of ≥30 years (adjusted OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.4), and family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (adjusted OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.9-8.3).

CONCLUSION

Females with BFI of >0.5 were significantly more likely to have GDM. The diagnostic ability of BFI and BMI for GDM was comparable. Females with BFI of >0.5 and BMI of ≥25 kg/m² have an increased risk for GDM.

MIDO GDM: an innovative artificial intelligence-based prediction model for the development of gestational diabetes in Mexican women

Given the barriers to early detection of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), this study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based prediction model for GDM in pregnant Mexican women. Data were retrieved from 1709 pregnant women who participated in the multicenter prospective cohort study 'Cuido mi embarazo'. A machine-learning-driven method was used to select the best predictive variables for GDM risk: age, family history of type 2 diabetes, previous diagnosis of hypertension, pregestational body mass index, gestational week, parity, birth weight of last child, and random capillary glucose. An artificial neural network approach was then used to build the model, which achieved a high level of accuracy (70.3%) and sensitivity (83.3%) for identifying women at high risk of developing GDM. This AI-based model will be applied throughout Mexico to improve the timing and quality of GDM interventions. Given the ease of obtaining the model variables, this model is expected to be clinically strategic, allowing prioritization of preventative treatment and promising a paradigm shift in prevention and primary healthcare during pregnancy. This AI model uses variables that are easily collected to identify pregnant women at risk of developing GDM with a high level of accuracy and precision.

Platelets and endothelial dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased in recent years, along with the higher prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age. GDM is a pathology associated with vascular dysfunction in the fetoplacental unit. GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction alters the transfer of nutrients to the foetus affecting newborns and pregnant women. Various mechanisms for this vascular dysfunction have been proposed, of which the most studied are metabolic alterations of the vascular endothelium. However, different cell types are involved in GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction, including platelets. Platelets are small, enucleated cell fragments that actively take part in blood haemostasis and thrombus formation. Thus, they play crucial roles in pathologies coursing with endothelial dysfunction, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, platelet function in GDM is understudied. Several reports show a potential relationship between platelet volume and mass with GDM; however, platelet roles and signaling mechanisms in GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction are unclear. This review summarizes the reported findings and proposes a link among altered amount, volume, mass, reactivity, and function of platelets and placenta development, resulting in fetoplacental vascular dysfunction in GDM.

Association of serum uric acid to lymphocyte ratio, a novel inflammatory biomarker, with risk of stroke: A prospective cohort study

MAIN PROBLEM

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathological progress associated with stroke. Serum uric acid (SUA) to lymphocyte ratio (ULR), a novel inflammatory biomarker, has been considered as a better risk stratification tool of adverse outcomes than SUA or lymphocyte alone. This study aimed to investigate whether ULR produced more predictive value for stroke and explore the potential mediators of the associations.

METHODS

This study enrolled 93,023 Chinese participants without stroke and myocardial infarction at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the associations of ULR with stroke and subtypes. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore potential mediators of the associations.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 13.00 years, 6081 cases of incident stroke occurred, including 5048 cases of ischemic stroke (IS) and 900 cases of hemorrhagic stroke (HS). After adjustment for confounders, the Q4 group was associated with a higher risk of HS (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.03-1.50), but not with total stroke (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13) or IS (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.97-1.12). No significant associations were found between SUA or lymphocyte and any stroke. ULR outperformed SUA or lymphocytes alone in predicting stroke. Additionally, the significant association between ULR and HS was partially mediated by systolic blood pressure (20.32%), diastolic blood pressure (11.18%) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (9.19%).

CONCLUSIONS

ULR was significantly associated with the risk of HS, but not with IS. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate were potential mediators for the association.

Association of body composition in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Body composition as dynamic indices constantly changes in pregnancy. The use of body composition indices in the early stages of pregnancy has recently been considered. Therefore, the current meta-analysis study was conducted to investigate the relationship between body composition in the early stages of pregnancy and gestational diabetes.

METHOD

Valid databases searched for papers published from 2010 to December 2021 were based on PRISMA guideline. Newcastle Ottawa was used to assess the quality of the studies. For all analyses, STATA 14.0 was used. Mean difference (MD) of anthropometric indices was calculated between the GDM and Non-GDM groups. Pooled MD was estimated by "Metan" command, and heterogeneity was defined using Cochran's Q test of heterogeneity, and I 2 index was used to quantify heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Finally, 29 studies with a sample size of 56438 met the criteria for entering the meta-analysis. Pooled MD of neck circumference, hip circumference, waist hip ratio, and visceral adipose tissue depth were, respectively, 1.00 cm (95% CI: 0.79 to 1.20) [N = 5; I^2: 0%; p: 0.709], 7.79 cm (95% CI: 2.27 to 13.31) [N = 5; I2: 84.3%; P<0.001], 0.03 (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.04) [N = 9; I2: 89.2%; P<0.001], and 7.74 cm (95% CI: 0.11 to 1.36) [N = 4; I^2: 95.8%; P<0.001].

CONCLUSION

Increased neck circumference, waist circumference, hip circumference, arm circumference, waist to hip ratio, visceral fat depth, subcutaneous fat depth, and short stature increased the possibility of developing gestational diabetes. These indices can accurately, cost-effectively, and affordably assess the occurrence of gestational diabetes, thus preventing many consequences with early detection of gestational diabetes.

Association between maternal adiposity measures and adverse maternal outcomes of pregnancy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Maternal obesity increases pregnancy-related risks. Women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 are considered to be at risk and should receive additional care, although approximately half will have uncomplicated pregnancies. This systematic review aimed to identify early pregnancy measures of adiposity associated with adverse maternal health outcomes. Searches included six databases, reference lists, citations, and contacting authors. Screening and quality assessment were carried out by two authors independently. Random effects meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted. Seventy studies were included with a pooled sample of 89,588 women. Meta-analysis showed significantly increased odds of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with higher waist circumference (WC) categories (1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04, 1.88) and per unit increase in WC (1.31, 95% CI 1.03, 1.67). Women with GDM had higher WC than controls (mean difference [MD] 6.18 cm, 95% CI 3.92, 8.44). WC was significantly associated with hypertensive disorders, delivery-related outcomes, metabolic syndrome, and composite pregnancy outcomes. Waist to hip ratio was significantly associated with GDM, hypertensive disorders, and delivery-related outcomes. Fat mass, neck circumference, skinfolds, and visceral fat were significantly associated with adverse outcomes, although limited data were available. Our findings identify the need to explore how useful adiposity measures are at predicting risk in pregnancy, compared with BMI, to direct care to women with the greatest need.

Maternal metabolic factors and the association with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with several adverse outcomes for the mother and child. Higher levels of individual lipids are associated with risk of GDM and metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clustering of risk factors also increases risk for GDM. Metabolic factors can be modified by diet and lifestyle. This review comprehensively evaluates the association between MetS and its components, measured in early pregnancy, and risk for GDM. Databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched from inception to 5 May 2021. Eligible studies included ≥1 metabolic factor (waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), measured at <16 weeks' gestation. At least two authors independently screened potentially eligible studies. Heterogeneity was quantified using I² . Data were pooled by random-effects models and expressed as odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of 7213 articles identified, 40 unique articles were included in meta-analysis. In analyses adjusting for maternal age and body mass index, GDM was increased with increasing FPG (odds ratios [OR] 1.92; 95% CI 1.39-2.64, k = 7 studies) or having MetS (OR 2.52; 1.65, 3.84, k = 3). Women with overweight (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.89, 2.50, k = 12) or obesity (OR 4.34; 95% CI 2.79-6.74, k = 9) also were at increased risk for GDM. Early pregnancy assessment of glucose or the MetS, offers a potential opportunity to detect and treat individual risk factors as an approach towards GDM prevention; weight loss for pregnant women with overweight or obesity is not recommended. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020199225.

Waist Circumference Measurement for Prediction of Preeclampsia: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Identifying women at high risk for preeclampsia is essential for the decision to start treatment with prophylactic aspirin. Prediction models have been developed for this purpose, and these typically incorporate body mass index (BMI). As waist circumference (WC) is a better predictor for metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes than BMI in nonpregnant populations, we aimed to investigate if WC is a BMI-independent predictor for preeclampsia and if the addition of WC to a prediction model for preeclampsia improves its performance.

METHODS

We used a population-based cohort of 4,696 women with WC measurements taken in the first trimester. The influence of WC on the risk of developing preeclampsia was evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. We generated receiver operating characteristic curves and calculated the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the usefulness of WC measurements for prediction of preeclampsia.

RESULTS

Women who developed preeclampsia had greater early pregnancy WC than women who did not (85.8 ± 12.6 vs. 82.3 ± 11.3 cm, P < 0.001). The risk of preeclampsia increased with larger WC in a multivariate model, adjusted odds ratio 1.02 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.03). However, when adding BMI into the model, WC was not independently associated with preeclampsia. The AUC value for preeclampsia prediction with BMI and the above variables was 0.738 and remained unchanged with the addition of WC to the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Large WC is associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia, but adding WC to a prediction model for preeclampsia that already includes BMI does not improve the model's performance.

Gestational diabetes in women with obesity; an analysis of clinical history and simple clinical/anthropometric measures

AIM

We assessed clinical risk factors, anthropometric measures of adiposity and weight gain to determine associations with development of GDM in a cohort of pregnant women with obesity.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the UPBEAT trial of a complex lifestyle intervention in pregnant women with obesity (ISRCTN89971375). Clinical risk factors, and measures of adiposity and weight were assessed in the early 2nd trimester (mean 17 +0 weeks), and adiposity and weight repeated in the early 3rd trimester (mean 27 +5 weeks').

RESULTS

Of the 1117 women (median BMI 35.0 kg/m2) with complete data, 25.8% (n = 304) developed GDM (IADPSG criteria, OGTT 24-28weeks). Using multivariable analysis, early clinical risk factors associated with later development of GDM included age (adj OR 1.06 per year; 95% CI 1.04-1.09), previous GDM (3.27; 1.34-7.93) and systolic blood pressure (per 10mmHg, 1.34; 1.18-1.53). Anthropometric measures positively associated with GDM included second trimester (mean 17+0 weeks) subscapular skinfold thickness, (per 5mm, 1.12; 1.05-1.21), and neck circumference (per cm, 1.11; 1.05-1.18). GDM was not associated with gestational weight gain, or changes in skinfolds thicknesses or circumferences between visits.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of women with obesity, we confirmed clinical risk factors for GDM, (age, systolic blood pressure) previously identified in heterogeneous weight women but add to these indices of adiposity which may provide a discriminatory approach to GDM risk assessment in this group. This study also underscores the need to focus on modifiable factors pre-pregnancy as an opportunity for GDM prevention, as targeting gestational weight gain and adiposity during pregnancy is likely to be less effective.

Adolescent body mass index and changes in pre-pregnancy body mass index in relation to risk of gestational diabetes

BACKGROUND

Pregestational excessive body mass index (BMI) is linked to an increased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but less is known on the effect of adolescent BMI on GDM occurrence. The study aimed to investigate possible associations of adolescent BMI and changes in BMI experienced before first pregnancy, with gestational diabetes risk.

METHODS

This retrospective study was based on linkage of a military screening database of adolescent health status (Israel Defence Forces) including measured height and weight, with medical records (Maccabi Healthcare Services, MHS) of a state-mandated health provider. The latter covers about 25% of the Israeli population; about 90% of pregnant women undergo screening by the two-step Carpenter-Coustan method. Adolescent BMI was categorized according to Center of Disease Control and Prevention percentiles. Only first documented pregnanies were analyzed and GDM was the outcome.

FINDINGS

Of 190,905 nulliparous women, 10,265 (5.4%) developed GDM. Incidence proportions of GDM were 5.1%, 6.1%, 7.3%, and 8.9% among women with adolescent normal BMI, underweight, overweight, and obesity (p<0.001), respectively. In models that accounted for age at pregnancy, birth year, and sociodemographic variables, the adjusted odd ratios (aORs) for developing GDM were: 1.2 (95%CI, 1.1-1.3), 1.5 (1.4-1.6), and 1.9 (1.7-2.1) for adolescent underweight, overweight, and obesity (reference group, normal BMI). Adolescent BMI tracked with BMI notes in the pre-pregnancy period (r=63%). Resuming normal pre-pregnancy BMI from overweight or obesity in adolescence diminished GDM risk, but this diminished risk was not observed among those who returned to a normal per-pre-pregnancy BMI from being underweight in adolescence. Sustained overweight or obesity conferred an aOR for developing GDM of 2.5 (2.2-2.7); weight gain from adolescent underweight and normal BMI to pre-pregnancy excessive BMI conferred aORs of 3.1 (1.6-6.2) and 2.6 (2.2-2.7), respectively.

INTERPRETATION

Change in BMI status from adolescence to pre-pregnancy may contribute to GDM risk. Identifying at-risk populations is important for early preventive interventions.

FUNDING

None.

The association of general obesity, central obesity and visceral body fat with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies consistently reported that general obesity predicts gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, whether other phenotypes of obesity such as central obesity and visceral adiposity might have differential associations as risk factors of GDM are less known. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of all these obesity phenotypes in developing GDM.

METHODS

PubMed, CINHAL, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science were searched. Full-text research articles published in English from 1985 to February 2020 with cohort and cross-sectional studies design and reported an association between obesity and GDM were included. Case-control studies, case reports, conference abstract, women with previous metabolic disorders and articles considered general obesity only were excluded. A bias adjusted-quality effect meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of these obesity phenotypes and GDM risk.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria representing data of ∼50 thousand women at the reproductive age with ∼7% prevalence of GDM. Meta-analysis of 14 datasets revealed that the three types of obesity were significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM. In addition, visceral adiposity was a stronger risk factor for GDM than other obesity phenotypes (odd ratio = 3.25, 95% confidence interval = 2.01-5.26) versus (odd ratio = 2.73, 95% confidence interval = 2.20-3.38) for general obesity and (odd ratio = 2.53, 95% confidence interval = 2.04-3.14) for central obesity.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that general obesity, central obesity and visceral body fat were associated with an increased risk of GDM. Furthermore, the association with maternal visceral adiposity was more robust compared to general obesity and central obesity.

Effects of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis

Objective

This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of probiotics and synbiotics on insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A systematic search was performed to identify all relevant publications listed on the electronic databases (PubMed®, Web of Science, Embase® and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) between inception and 30 October 2020. All statistical analyses were performed on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using RevMan version 5.3 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results

A total of 486 patients from seven RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation appeared to improve levels of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (mean difference = –0.37; 95% confidence interval –0.69, –0.05) and serum insulin (standardized mean difference = –0.66; 95% confidence interval –1.19, –0.12). The results failed to show any influence of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation on body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference and fasting blood sugar.

Conclusions

Probiotics and synbiotics appear to have a partially beneficial effect on indices of insulin resistance in patients with PCOS.

Risk of gestational diabetes mellitus by pre-pregnancy body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is serious health challenges. This study aimed at determining the risk of GDM among pregnant women by pre-pregnancy BMI. Five electronic databases including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched for literature published form 2015 to January 1, 2021. The pooled estimate risk of GDM among pregnant women was 16.8% (95% CI: 15.3-18.4). The risk of GDM in underweight/normal group and overweight/obese group were 10.7% (95% CI: 9.1-12.4) and 23% (95% CI: 20.2-25.9), respectively. The risk of GDM is high among overweight/obese pregnant women.

Pre-pregnancy metabolic syndrome and insulin administration in gestational diabetes: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate whether mothers with obesity/central obesity and metabolic syndrome before gestation are at higher risk of insulin administration in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to diminish the burden of insulin use during pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a population-based retrospective cohort study conducted using data from the National Health Information Database of Korea. We identified all deliveries from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015 (N = 1,214,655). Among the deliveries, we identified mothers with pre-pregnancy health checkup records and without previous diabetes history (N = 325,208). Hazards of insulin use in GDM were calculated based on pre-pregnancy obesity/central obesity and metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Hazards of insulin use in GDM increased proportionately with an increase in the pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). After the adjustment for clinical factors, high BMI group (≥30 kg/m²) and high WC group (≥100 cm) were significantly associated with higher hazard ratios (HRs) (HR 4.161, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 3.381-5.121, P < 0.001 and HR 2.563, 95% CI 1.769-3.712, P < 0.001, respectively). The presence of pre-pregnancy metabolic syndrome significantly increased the hazard of insulin use in GDM (0.54% vs. 5.04%). In the presence of obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) or central obesity (WC ≥ 85 cm), HRs of insulin use in GDM were 2.637 (95% CI 2.275-3.056) and 1.603 (95% CI 1.023-2.511), respectively, after adjustment for clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of pre-pregnancy obesity/central obesity and metabolic syndrome in Korean mothers is associated with increased risk of insulin use in GDM.

Food habits in pregnancy and its association with gestational diabetes mellitus: results from a prospective cohort study in public hospitals of urban India

Background

Few studies have explored the relationship between food habits and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women from India. We aimed to investigate the associations of food habits and the risk of GDM.

Methods

As part of the MAASTHI prospective cohort study in urban Bengaluru, India, pregnant women between 18 and 45 years, less than 36 weeks of gestation were included. During baseline, the participant’s age, education, physical activity levels, and food habits were recorded. Screening of GDM was done by the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria using a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th–36th weeks of gestation.

Results

We included 1777 pregnant women in the study. We show that 17.6% of the women had GDM, of which 76.7% consume red meat. Red meat consumption was associated with an increased risk of GDM (aRR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.5, 2.9) after adjusting for age, family history of diabetes and socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

The high intake of red meat consumption in pregnancy needs further examination. Also, future evaluations should consider evaluating the risk of red meat consumption against the combined effect of inadequate consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dairy products in pregnant women. Interventions to educate women in lower socioeconomic status on inexpensive, seasonal, and healthy food might be helpful.

β-Cell function or insulin resistance was associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes among women with or without obesity and a history of gestational diabetes

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the single association of postpartum β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR), as well as different combinations of postpartum β-cell dysfunction, IR, obesity, and a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with postpartum type 2 diabetes risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study included 1263 women with prior GDM and 705 women without GDM. Homeostatic model assessment was used to estimate homeostatic model assessment of β-cell secretory function (HOMA-%β) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

RESULTS

Multivariable-adjusted ORs of diabetes across quartiles of HOMA-%β and HOMA-IR were 1.00, 1.46, 2.15, and 6.25 (p_trend <0.001), and 1.00, 2.11, 5.59, and 9.36 (p_trend <0.001), respectively. Women with IR only had the same diabetes risk as women with β-cell dysfunction only. Obesity, together with IR or β-cell dysfunction, had a stronger effect on diabetes risk. This stronger effect was also found for a history of GDM with IR or β-cell dysfunction. Women with three risk factors, including obesity, a history of GDM and β-cell dysfunction/IR, showed the highest ORs of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

β-cell dysfunction or IR was significantly associated with postpartum diabetes. IR and β-cell dysfunction, together with obesity and a history of GDM, had the highest ORs of postpartum diabetes risk.

Benefits of exercise in pregnancies with gestational diabetes

A significant proportion of pregnancies are complicated by diabetes mellitus. Most of them concern women with gestational diabetes mellitus, while proportionally are presented with preexisting DM 1 and DM 2. Metabolic derangements of the diabetic syndrome are likely to generate serious complications for both the mother and the fetus with a significant impact on their later health. Undoubtedly, all appropriate interventions that will contribute to the smoothest and most uncomplicated course of pregnancy are considered essential. Healthy diet adjustments, glucose monitoring and an appropriate insulin regimen, if needed, are considered effective tools for a safe gestation. Courses with aerobic, anaerobic stretching and relaxation exercises are presented with significant benefits in the therapeutic struggle for the general public. Extended research has been conducted assessing the role of exercise incorporation in a diabetic pregnancy. As evidence would support based on recent literature, exercise is an important mean in the prevention of carbohydrate intolerance during gestation and even more facilitates a smoother management of a diabetic pregnancy. Thus, exercise poses an essential role for maternal and neonatal health.

Role of placental fibrinogen-like protein 1 in gestational diabetes

In view of the increasing prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the increased risks of delivering a macrosomic infant, developing preeclampsia, and suffering a perinatal death due to GDM, GDM has emerged as a growing public health problem. Although the placenta was suggested to play a crucial role in the pathology of GDM, the mechanisms that induce the development of GDM are still obscure. Fibrinogen-like protein (FGL)-1 is a hepatokine that plays an important role in hepatogenesis, as well as in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes. Although FGL-1 is also expressed by the placenta, the pathophysiological role of FGL-1 in GDM is still unknown. In this study, FGL-1 levels were evaluated in 45 subjects with (n = 16) or without (n = 29) GDM. We found that FGL-1 was mainly expressed by placental trophoblasts, and FGL-1 expression was significantly higher in subjects with GDM. FGL-1 increased trophoblast proliferation through an extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent pathway. In addition, plasma concentrations of FGL-1 were higher in subjects with GDM, and the increased circulating FGL-1 might contribute to systemic insulin resistance. FGL-1 disrupted the gluconeogenic action of insulin in HepG2 cells, and decreased insulin-induced glucose uptake by L6 myotubes. Taken together, placental FGL-1 possibly plays a role in the impairment of insulin function in the development of GDM, and it might be a novel biomarker for diagnosing GDM.

Crosstalk Among Circadian Rhythm, Obesity and Allergy

The circadian clock system works not only as a cellular time-keeper but also as a coordinator for almost all physiological functions essential to maintaining human health. Therefore, disruptions or malfunctions of this system can cause many diseases and pre-symptomatic conditions. Indeed, previous studies have indicated that disrupted clock gene expression rhythm is closely related to obesity, and that allergic diseases can be regulated by controlling peripheral clocks in organs and tissues. Moreover, recent studies have found that obesity can lead to immune disorders. Accordingly, in this review, we assess the connection between obesity and allergy from the point of view of the circadian clock system anew and summarize the relationships among the circadian clock system, obesity, and allergy.

Relationship between Maternal Central Obesity and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVE

Nowadays, body mass index (BMI) is used to evaluate the risk stratification of obesity-related pregnancy complications in clinics. However, BMI cannot reflect fat distribution or the proportion of adipose to nonadipose tissue. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of maternal first or second trimester central obesity with the risk of GDM. Research Design and Methods. We searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for English-language medical literature published up to 12 May 2019. Cohort studies were only included in the search. Abdominal subcutaneous fat thickness, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio or body fat distribution were elected as measures of maternal central obesity, and all diagnostic criteria for GDM were accepted. The random effect meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between central obesity and the risk of GDM.

RESULTS

A total of 11 cohort studies with an overall sample size of 27,675 women and 2,226 patients with GDM were included in the analysis. The summary estimate of GDM risk in the central obesity pregnant women was 2.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-3.26) using the adjusted odds ratio (OR). The degree of heterogeneity among the studies was low (I ² = 14.4, P = 0.307). The subgroup analyses showed that heterogeneity was affected by selected study characteristics (methods of exposure and trimesters). After adjusting for potential confounds, the OR of adjusted BMI was significant (OR = 3.07, 95% CI: 2.35-4.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the risk of GDM was positively associated with maternal central obesity.

Systematic review of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions to improve clinical diabetes outcome measures in women with a history of GDM

OBJECTIVE

Lifestyle interventions have been shown to be both effective and cost-effective in reducing diabetes and metabolic risk in high-risk populations. We systematically reviewed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on anthropometric, glycemic and cardiovascular outcomes in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHOD

Relevant randomized control trials (RCT) were identified by searching multiple electronic databases through 20th June 2018. Data were pooled using random-effects models. The review protocol was registered on the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO 2016: CRD42018108870).

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria and 16 studies with outcome data were analyzed in the meta-analysis. No RCT studies included cost-effectiveness data on lifestyle interventions. The pooled estimate for postpartum weight showed a significant mean reduction in the intervention arm (-1.8 kg [95% CI: -2.9, -0.6; p = 0.002; I² = 92.2%; p < 0.05]). Further, the effect of lifestyle intervention on weight change was significantly greater in studies of longer duration. Most of the other endpoints had modest improvements but only anthropometric endpoints were statistically significant. However, there was high heterogeneity between the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle interventions showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in anthropometric outcomes. However, more research is needed to explore lifestyle effects on glycemic and cardiovascular risk factors and to establish cost-effectiveness. Methodologically sound, large scale studies on diverse ethnicities and with longer follow-up would establish the real effect of lifestyle interventions to reduce diabetes risk in women with previous GDM.

Mediation of the effect of serum uric acid on the risk of developing hypertension: a population-based cohort study

Background

Serum uric acid (SUA) had been associated with incident hypertension, but it is uncertain whether and to what extent the effect of SUA is mediated by other metabolic factors.

Methods

Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) during 2011 to 2015 was employed for this study. A total of 7639 participants aged between 35 and 96 years without hypertension was included. Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the association between elevated SUA and hypertension. A mediation model was used to separately explore mediating effects (MEs) of metabolic factors on the association between SUA and incident hypertension.

Results

During a median 4.0 years of follow-up, 2348 individuals were diagnosed with hypertension. After adjustment for metabolic confounders, participants with the highest SUA quartile had a hazard ratio of 1.16 (1.02–1.33) compared with the lowest category for incident hypertension. The association between SUA and incident hypertension were partially mediated by waist circumference (WC; ME = 0.034), body mass index (BMI; ME = 0.016), triglycerides (TG; ME = 0.024), total cholesterol (TC; ME = 0.009), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; ME = 0.009), fasting plasma glucose (FPG; ME = 0.005), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; ME = − 0.002). Additionally, proportional mediation was 32.7% by WC and 15.4% by BMI for obesity indicators; 23.1% by TG, 8.7% by TC, and 8.7% by HDL-C for blood lipid; and 4.8% by FPG and − 1.9% by HbA1c for blood glucose.

Conclusions

The positive association between elevated SUA concentration and hypertension was reconfirmed in a Chinese population. Obesity indicators, blood lipids, and blood glucose may play important mediating roles in the pathways.