A retrospective analysis of the relationship between race/ethnicity, age at delivery and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Psychosocial, Behavioral, and Medical Drivers of Gestational Diabetes among Racial-Ethnic Groups

Certain racial and ethnic groups have historically been labeled "high-risk" for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our objective was to identify the psychosocial, behavioral, and medical factors associated with GDM and determine if they differ by race/ethnicity.Secondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective cohort study of pregnant nulliparous individuals with singleton gestations (2010-2013). The primary outcome was GDM. Psychosocial, behavioral, and medical characteristics were compared by self-reported race/ethnicity. Multivariable logistic regression with backward selection identified factors associated with GDM. Interaction terms between race/ethnicity and risk factors were tested.Of 8,672 pregnant individuals, 61% were non-Hispanic White, 13% non-Hispanic Black, 17% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and 5% other. The incidence of GDM differed by race/ethnicity with 4% non-Hispanic White, 3% non-Hispanic Black, 5% Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 5% other (p < 0.001). Of 34 psychosocial, behavioral, and medical factors, those associated with GDM were parent with history of diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-2.23), non-English language (aOR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.14-5.79), daily calorie intake (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08-1.29), daily fiber intake (aOR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75-0.94), maternal age (aOR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.37-1.70), prepregnancy BMI (aOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44), and waist circumference (aOR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.03-1.43). These associations did not differ based on race/ethnicity (interaction p-values > 0.1).Replacing race/ethnicity as a risk factor for GDM with significant upstream psychosocial, behavioral, and medical factors should be considered. · GDM varies in incidence based on race.. · GDM was linked to a parent with various factors.. · These factors are the history of diabetes, non-English language, and daily calorie intake.. · These factors also include lower daily fiber intake, maternal age, prepregnancy BMI, and waist circumference.. · The psychosocial, behavioral, and medical factors associated with GDM did not differ based on race/ethnicity..

Women's views about online communities for gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative interview study

PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication of pregnancy, and the emerging evidence demonstrates how GDM online communities have a positive impact on promoting self-management and improving outcomes. Further analysis of such groups can increase understanding of how peer support in GDM online communities is enabled and enacted.

AIM

To examine women's experiences of GDM online communities on Facebook, their motivations for participation, and perceptions of dynamics within the community.

METHODS

Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 28 participants, recruited from an online survey posted in two self-organised Australian GDM Facebook groups.

RESULTS

From our thematic analysis of the interview data, four themes were identified from participants' views about GDM online communities: 'A safe community' encapsulated a desire to be connected with others having similar experiences in a non-judgmental space; 'A supportive and informative group' concerned the need for, and giving of, support, and gaining knowledge; 'An adjunct to healthcare' referred to participants' use of GDM online communities to inform their healthcare experiences; and 'A waiting room' reflected participants' continued involvement in GDM online communities, in part due to future uncertainty.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our findings affirm the value of GDM online communities on Facebook for community, support and information. GDM online communities serve as an adjunct to formal healthcare, augmenting clinic-based appointments and clinical management of GDM, encouraging informed decision-making and self-advocacy. We highlight how, in such spaces, women collaboratively navigate self-management and healthcare.

CYP2C19 loss-of-function variants are independent risk factors for premature cerebral infarction: a hospital based retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) plays an vital role in the course of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by affecting lipid metabolism. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) is a comprehensive index composed of triglyceride and blood glucose, has relationship with some diseases. There was no research report on the association CYP2C19 polymorphisms, TyG with premature cerebral infarction (CI) (onset ≤ 65 years old) susceptibility.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 1953 CI patients aged ≤ 65 years old from December 2018 to March 2024, and 1919 age-matched individuals with non-CI as controls. The relationship between CYP2C19 polymorphisms, TyG and premature CI risk were analyzed.

RESULTS

The proportion of hypertension, and diabetes mellitus in patients with premature CI was higher than those in controls. The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and TyG levels in patients with premature CI were significantly higher than those in controls (all p < 0.05). The patients had lower CYP2C19 *1 allele frequency (63.3% vs. 69.6%, p < 0.001) and higher CYP2C19 *2 allele frequency (31.3% vs. 25.4%, p < 0.001) than controls. Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking history (odds ratio (OR): 1.193, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.422, p = 0.048), hypertension (OR: 3.371, 95% CI: 2.914-3.898, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.911, 95% CI: 1.632-2.237, p < 0.001), CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizer (IM) + poor metabolizer (PM) phenotypes (OR: 1.424, 95% CI: 1.243-1.631, p < 0.001), and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.294, 95% CI: 1.077-1.554, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for premature CI.

CONCLUSIONS

History of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and CYP2C19 IM + PM phenotypes were independently associated with premature CI susceptibility.

Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Objective

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a complication of abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy, with incidence is on the rise. There are inconsistent results on the risks of GDM and it has not been reported in our region. The purpose of this study is to explore the risk factors of GDM.

Methods

A total of 383 pregnant women were analyzed, including 67 (17.5%) pregnant women with GDM and 316 (82.5%) with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The relationship of personal history, family history and reproductive history of pregnant women, the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), inflammatory markers in blood cell analysis at the first prenatal examination, and fetal ultrasound indices and the risk of GDM were analyzed.

Results

The fetal biparietal diameter, head circumference, and femur length were negatively correlated with HCG level, but not inflammatory markers. The proportion of pregnant women aged ≥30 years old, body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy≥24.0 kg/m2, history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cesarean section, adverse pregnancy, and oral contraceptive use, and pregnant women who conceived through assisted reproduction in GDM group were higher than those in NGT group. Logistic regression analysis showed that age of pregnant woman ≥30 years old (≥30 vs <30 years old, odds ratio (OR): 2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.183-3.878, p=0.012), BMI≥24.0 kg/m2 (≥24.0 kg/m2 vs 18.5-23.9 kg/m2, OR: 1.887, 95% CI: 1.041-3.420, p=0.036), history of adverse pregnancy (yes vs no, OR: 1.969, 95% CI: 1.022-3.794, p=0.043), and history of oral contraceptive use (yes vs no, OR: 2.868, 95% CI: 1.046-7.863, p=0.041) were associated with GDM.

Conclusion

Age of pregnant woman ≥30 years old, BMI≥24.0 kg/m2, history of adverse pregnancy and oral contraceptive use were independent risk factors for GDM.

Epidemiology and management of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is defined as hyperglycaemia first detected during pregnancy at glucose concentrations that are less than those of overt diabetes. Around 14% of pregnancies globally are affected by gestational diabetes; its prevalence varies with differences in risk factors and approaches to screening and diagnosis; and it is increasing in parallel with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes direct costs are US$1·6 billion in the USA alone, largely due to complications including hypertensive disorders, preterm delivery, and neonatal metabolic and respiratory consequences. Between 30% and 70% of gestational diabetes is diagnosed in early pregnancy (ie, early gestational diabetes defined by hyperglycaemia before 20 weeks of gestation). Early gestational diabetes is associated with worse pregnancy outcomes compared with women diagnosed with late gestational diabetes (hyperglycaemia from 24 weeks to 28 weeks of gestation). Randomised controlled trials show benefits of treating gestational diabetes from 24 weeks to 28 weeks of gestation. The WHO 2013 recommendations for diagnosing gestational diabetes (one-step 75 gm 2-h oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation) are largely based on the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Study, which confirmed the linear association between pregnancy complications and late-pregnancy maternal glycaemia: a phenomenon that has now also been shown in early pregnancy. Recently, the Treatment of Booking Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (TOBOGM) trial showed benefit in diagnosis and treatment of early gestational diabetes for women with risk factors. Given the diabesity epidemic, evidence for gestational diabetes heterogeneity by timing and subtype, and advances in technology, a life course precision medicine approach is urgently needed, using evidence-based prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies.

'No matter what time of day': The value of joining Facebook groups supporting women's self-management of gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects a significant and growing proportion of pregnant women each year. The condition entails additional monitoring, self-management and healthcare use during pregnancy, and some women also join GDM support groups on Facebook. Little is known about the practices inside these groups, but examining them may elucidate support needs, women's experience of healthcare and improve overall outcomes. The aims of this study were to explore motivations for joining GDM Facebook groups and the perceived value and benefits of such spaces.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design using a web-based survey collected data from two peer-led GDM Facebook groups; relevant quantitative and qualitative data were extracted from open and closed questions, and analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 340 women responded to the survey, with 306 (90%) tendering their motivations to join a GDM Facebook group. Their answers were classified into six categories: peer support; information and practical advice; lived experiences; community; a safe place to ask questions and being recommended. The most commonly reported benefits of membership were 'reading about food ideas' and 'finding helpful information and tips'. Respondents reported finding their group strongly sympathetic, sincere, compassionate, heart-felt, tolerant, sensitive, warm and supportive.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

GDM Facebook groups are valuable for informational and emotional support, and the sharing and perusal of lived experiences; another key benefit for women is feeling belonging to a community. GDM Facebook groups provide women with access to more tailored and readily available support, filling gaps not addressed by healthcare providers.

PATIENT CONTRIBUTION

This study was led by a person with lived experience of GDM, and the survey was pilot tested with women who had also experienced GDM, which contributed to its development.

Gestational diabetes and risk of future diabetes in a multi-ethnic population

AIM

To investigate ethnic disparities in risk of gestational diabetes-mellitus (GDM) and future diabetes.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective cohort study of women who underwent a 100-g oral glucose-tolerance-test (oGTT) during pregnancy between 2007 and 2017 in Clalit-Health-Services of the Jerusalem district. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to compare the risk of GDM in Arab versus Jewish women. Further, Cox-regression analysis was used to establish the risk of future diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 9875 women, 71 % of Jewish ethnicity and 29 % of Arab ethnicity were included. Arab women had a higher incidence of GDM compared to Jewish women (17.3 % vs. 10.6 %, p < 0.001), which persisted after adjusting for age, BMI, and metabolic profile (aOR 1.7; CI 1.48-2.0, P < 0.001). Additionally, Arab ethnicity was associated with an increased risk of future diabetes, even after adjusting for GDM status (aHR 5.9; 95 % CI 3.7-9.4, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women of Arab ethnicity have a higher risk for both GDM and future diabetes, a risk that is beyond the initial increased risk associated with GDM. These findings highlight the need for increased focus on preventing diabetes in women of Arab ethnicity, especially those with a history of GDM.

The impact of regional origin on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in a multiethnic European cohort

Introduction

Women with migration background present specific challenges related to risk stratification and care of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of ethnic origin on the risk of developing GDM in a multiethnic European cohort.

Methods

Pregnant women were included at a median gestational age of 12.9 weeks and assigned to the geographical regions of origin: Caucasian Europe (n = 731), Middle East and North Africa countries (MENA, n = 195), Asia (n = 127) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA, n = 48). At the time of recruitment maternal characteristics, glucometabolic parameters and dietary habits were assessed. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in mid-gestation for GDM diagnosis.

Results

Mothers with Caucasian ancestry were older and had higher blood pressure and an adverse lipoprotein profile as compared to non-Caucasian mothers, whereas non-Caucasian women (especially those from MENA countries) had a higher BMI and were more insulin resistant. Moreover, we found distinct dietary habits. Non-Caucasian mothers, especially those from MENA and Asian countries, had increased incidence of GDM as compared to the Caucasian population (OR 1.87, 95%CI 1.40 to 2.52, p < 0.001). Early gestational fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity were consistent risk factors across different ethnic populations, however, pregestational BMI was of particular importance in Asian mothers.

Discussion

Prevalence of GDM was higher among women from MENA and Asian countries, who already showed adverse glucometabolic profiles at early gestation. Fasting glucose and early gestational insulin resistance (as well as higher BMI in women from Asia) were identified as important risk factors in Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients.

Breastfeeding Associated with Lower Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Women with Gestational Diabetes in the Very Early Postpartum Period

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the association of breastfeeding with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the very early postpartum (PP) period.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a secondary analysis of the Balance After Baby Intervention (BABI) study which enrolled women with recent GDM. Data collected during an early (~8 weeks) PP visit were used in this analysis. At this visit, weight, height, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipids were obtained. MetS was classified per National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Program III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. We defined breastfeeding as currently breastfeeding or not currently breastfeeding for the main analysis.

RESULTS

Of 181 women enrolled in BABI, 178 were included in this analysis (3 excluded for missing lipids). Thirty-four percent were Hispanic. Of non-Hispanics, 31.5% were White, 18.5% Asian, and 12.9% Black/African American. The prevalence of MetS was 42.9% in women not breastfeeding versus 17.1% in women breastfeeding (p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.16 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06-0.41]). Breastfeeding women had significantly lower odds of FPG ≥100 mg/dL (aOR = 0.36 [95% CI: 0.14-0.95], p = 0.039), HDL < 50 mg/dL (aOR = 0.19 [95% CI: 0.08-0.46], p < 0.001), and triglycerides (TG) ≥ 150 mg/dL (aOR = 0.26 [95% CI: 0.10-0.66], p = 0.005). When evaluated as continuous variables, WC, FPG, and TG were significantly lower and HDL significantly higher in women breastfeeding in the very early PP period (vs. not breastfeeding).

CONCLUSION

In a diverse population of women with recent GDM, there was lower prevalence of MetS in women breastfeeding compared with those not breastfeeding in the very early PP period. This study extends the findings of an association of breastfeeding with MetS previously reported at time points more remote from pregnancy to the very early PP period and to an ethnically and racially diverse population.

KEY POINTS

· MetS prevalence in women with recent GDM was lower in breastfeeding than not breastfeeding women.. · FPG, HDL, WC, and TG were improved in the breastfeeding group.. · This study extends prior findings to the very early PP period and to a diverse population..

The Effects of Race and Socioeconomics on the Relationship Between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Birth Outcomes: An Analysis of Southern US PRAMS data

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications. Uncontrolled GDM increases the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes for both the pregnant individual and the infant. African Americans (AAs) have higher maternal morbidity and infant mortality rates than non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). The goal of the current study was to examine racial differences in the effect of GDM on birth outcomes. The data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) was analyzed with a focus on four states in the southern U.S. (Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi). The results presented suggest that AAs are at lower risk of GDM than NHW individuals. Even with the lower risk of GDM, AAs are at higher risk of pre-term births. In addition, socioeconomic factors and access to prenatal care play a role in birth outcomes including moderating the effect of GDM on outcomes. A discussion of potential policy interventions that may improve pregnancy outcomes is discussed including increased use of doulas to support pregnant people.

A Comparative Morphometric and Histological Study of Human Fetus and Fetal Pancreas in Hyperglycemic and Normoglycemic Mothers

BACKGROUND

A significant percentage of pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been found to result in the delivery of macrosomic babies. The current study intends to highlight the correlation between maternal diabetes and fetal parameters as well as the histogenesis of the fetal pancreas in humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included thirty aborted fetuses, categorized into seven groups according to their gestational age. Morphometric analysis of fetal parameters and fetal pancreas was done, and the values were compared within different gestational age groups. Pancreatic tissue was processed, stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, and examined. A comparison was then made between fetuses with and without gestational diabetes.  Results: All the fetal biometrics as well as pancreatic parameters showed greater numeric values in mothers with GDM as compared to the controls of the same gestational age groups. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Histogenesis in such fetuses revealed GDM-related hyperplasia of islets of Langerhans.

CONCLUSION

A timely diagnosis of GDM is thus of paramount significance due to its potential implications so that appropriate interventions can be done on time, to improve the overall outcome.

The Relationship Between Pre-Operative Glycosylated Haemoglobin and Opioid Consumption After Caesarean Section in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Women with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) had a higher need and consumption of analgesics than women without GDM. The preoperative level of HbA1c was associated with the postoperative consumption for analgesics in diabetic patients. This prospective observational study go further to investigate the relationship between the pre-operative HbA1c and the post-operative consumption for analgesics in women with GDM.

METHODS

Women with GDM and a singleton pregnancy undergoing elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia were divided into two groups based on pre-operative HbA1c: group HbA1c < 6% and group HbA1c ≥ 6%. Analgesics consumption, number of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) compression, and pain scores in 6 hours and 24 hours post-operation were compared between the two groups. Then Pearson's correlation coefficient and a stepwise multivariate linear regression were performed to investigate possible independentpredictors of post-operative 24-hour sufentanil consumption.

RESULTS

Analgesics consumption was significantly lower (18.8 ± 0.4 vs 23.2 ± 4.3; 82.7 ± 2.4 vs 115.8 ± 17.4, P < 0.001), and number of PCA compressions was significantly less frequent (1 [1-2] vs 3 [1-5]; 5 [3-7] vs 7 [3-15], P < 0.001), and in group HbA1c < 6% than in group HbA1c ≥ 6% in 6 hours and 24 hours post-operation.The univariate analysis showed that sufentanil consumption at 24 hours post-operation was significantly related to pre-operative HbA1c (r = 0.338, P < 0.001) and parity (r = 0.184, P = 0.03) and was related to blood glucose management methods (r = 0.172, P = 0.043). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that HbA1c was the independent factor related to post-operative 24-hour sufentanil consumption (adjusted r2 = 0.246, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that in pregnant women with GDM, the pre-operative HbA1c is independently related to the need for and consumption of analgesics in 24 hours after CS.

Clinical analysis of 2860 cases of diabetes in pregnancy: a single-center retrospective study

Background

To investigate the epidemiological, clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetes in pregnancy (DIP).

Methods

This single-center, retrospective study included 16,974 pregnant women hospitalized during 2018–2019. Among them, 2860 DIP patients were grouped according to diabetes type, glycemic status, and insulin use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted.

Results

The incidence of DIP [17.10%; pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM), 2.00% (type I, 0.08%; type 2, 1.92%); gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), 14.85% (GDM A1, 13.58%; GDM A2, 1.27%)] increased annually. Premature birth, congenital anomalies, large for gestational age (LGA), neonatal asphyxia, neonatal intensive care unit transfer, hypertension, and puerperal infection were more common in DIP than in healthy pregnancies. The most common comorbidities/complications were hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, cervical incompetence, intrahepatic cholestasis, premature membrane rupture, oligo/polyhydramnios, and fetal distress. GDM incidence at ages ≥35 and ≥ 45 years was 1.91 and 3.26 times that at age < 35 years, respectively. If only women with high-risk factors were screened, 34.8% GDM cases would be missed. The proportion of insulin use was 14.06% (PGDM, 55%; GDM, 8.53%). Mean gestational age at peak insulin dose in DIP was 32.87 ± 5.46 weeks. Peak insulin doses in PGDM and GDM were 3.67 and 2 times the initial doses, respectively. The risks of LGA, premature birth, cesarean section, and neonatal hypoglycemia in PGDM were 1.845, 1.533, 1.797, and 1.368 times of those in GDM, respectively. The risks of premature birth and neonatal hypoglycemia in women with poor glycemic control were 1.504 and 1.558 times of those in women with good control, respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of adverse outcomes in DIP is high.

Laboratory and Clinical Predictors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Kosovo Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition increasing yearly worldwide. AIM: We investigated the prevalence and the arrangement of common risk predictors for developing GDM among Kosova pregnant women after 24 gestational weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 202 hospitalized pregnant women participated in this prospective study. All participants underwent a detailed clinical examination for risk factors for GDM, followed by appropriate biochemical blood analysis and anthropometric measurements. The glucose tolerance test results were interpreted according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association. Participants in the first part of the study were divided into the four risk groups and in the second part GDM group (case group) or a normal glucose tolerance group (control group) to determine the risk factors for GDM and associated clinical and biochemical predictors. RESULTS: The prevalence of gestational diabetes was 5.9%.The average age was 30.0 ± 5.5. Main characteristics of high-risk group of women for GDM were: ages above 30-year-old (p = 0.001), positive glucose intolerance (p = 0.0001), personal history for GDM (p = 0.0001), familiar history for DM (p = 0.0001), obesity (p = 0.0001), previous childbirth with weight higher than 4000 g (p = 0.0001), vulvovaginal infection (p = 0.0001), and polyhydramnios (p = 0.0001). Almost the same characteristics were found also for the GDM group: Like personal history for GDM (p = 0.0018), and family history for DM (p = 0.0018). Moreover, the group with GDM was characterized with significantly higher laboratory parameters such as fasting glycemia (p = 0.0000), triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations (p = 0.0001). Anthropometric measurements such as weight (p = 0.002), body mass index (p = 0.0015), and systolic (p = 0.0163) and diastolic (p = 0.042) blood pressure were also significantly higher than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, family history of diabetes and personal history for GDM, polyhydramnios, stillbirth >4000 g, were significant risk factors for GDM. Screening for risk factors can easily bring at GDM early diagnosis and prevention. Public awareness-raising on the risk factors for GDM and the need for early screening should be strongly pursued, particularly for the women at risk for GDM, especially in developing countries. At every level of health service, GDM screening to pregnant women should be incorporated as a routine antenatal visit.

A Scoping Review on Gestational Diabetes in Hawai'i: A "Window of Opportunity" to Address Intergenerational Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The health of women over the entire span of their reproductive years is crucial - beginning in adolescence and extending through the postpartum period. This paper provides a scoping review of the relevant literature on risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and progression from GDM to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly among women of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) and Asian racial/ethnic backgrounds in Hawai'i, using the PubMed database (July 2010 to July 2020). NHPI and Asian populations have a greater likelihood of developing GDM compared to their White counterparts. Risk factors such as advanced maternal age, high maternal body mass index, and lack of education about GDM have varying levels of impact on GDM diagnosis between ethnic populations. Mothers who have a history of GDM are also at higher risk of developing T2DM. Common risk factors include greater increase in postpartum body mass index and use of diabetes medications during pregnancy. However, few studies investigate the progression from GDM to T2DM in Hawai'i's Asian and NHPI populations, and no studies present upstream preconception care programs to prevent an initial GDM diagnosis among Hawai'i's women. Thus, updated reports are necessary for optimal early interventions to prevent the onset of GDM and break the intergenerational cycle of increased susceptibility to T2DM and GDM in both mother and child. Further attention to the development of culturally sensitive interventions may reduce disparities in GDM and improve the health for all affected by this condition.

Analysis of Risk Factors for the Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Group of Romanian Patients

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is caused by numerous risk factors, the most common being old age, obesity, family history of diabetes mellitus, GDM, history of fetal macrosomia, history of polycystic ovary syndrome or treatment with particular drugs, multiple births, and certain races. The study proposed to analyze the risk factors causing GDM.

METHOD

In the study, we included 97 pregnant women to whom there was an OGTT performed between weeks 24th and 28th of pregnancy, divided into two groups, with GDM and without GDM. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26.0, the tests being statistically significant if p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

The favoring risk factors for the onset of GDM were analyzed, with statistically significant differences between the GDM group and the group without GDM related to the delivery age (32.39 ± 4.66 years old vs. 28.61 ± 4.71 years old), history of fetal macrosomia (13.7% vs. 0%), presence of GDM during previous pregnancies (7.8% vs. 0%), HBP before pregnancy (9.8% vs. 0%), gestational HBP (17.6% vs. 0%), glycemia value at first medical visit (79.37 ± 9.34 mg/dl vs. 71.39 ± 9.16 mg/dl), and weight gain during pregnancy (14.61 ± 4.47 kg vs. 12.48 ± 5.87 kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying the risk factors for the GDM onset has a special importance, implying an early implementation of interventional measures in order to avoid the onset of GDM and associated maternal and fetal complications.

A Glimpse at the Size of the Fetal Liver-Is It Connected with the Evolution of Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as an impairment of glucose tolerance, manifested by hyperglycemia, which occurs at any stage of pregnancy. GDM is more common in the third trimester of pregnancy and usually disappears after birth. It was hypothesized that the glycemic status of the mother can modulate liver development and growth early during the pregnancy. The simplest modality to monitor the evolution of GDM employs noninvasive techniques. In this category, routinely obstetrical ultrasound (OUS) examinations (simple or 2D/3D) can be employed for specific fetal measurements, such as fetal liver length (FLL) or volume (FLV). FLL and FLV may emerge as possible predictors of GDM as they positively relate to the maternal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and to the results of the oral glucose tolerance test. The aim of this review is to offer insight into the relationship between GDM and fetal nutritional status. Risk factors for GDM and the short- and long-term outcomes of GDM pregnancies are also discussed, as well as the significance of different dietary patterns. Moreover, the review aims to fill one gap in the literature, investigating whether fetal liver growth can be used as a predictor of GDM evolution. To conclude, although studies pointed out a connection between fetal indices and GDM as useful tools in the early detection of GDM (before 23 weeks of gestation), additional research is needed to properly manage GDM and offspring health.

The diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c in detecting gestational diabetes mellitus among Chinese pregnant individuals

Background

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant Chinese patients.

Methods

We enrolled a large cohort of 19,261 pregnant individuals who had both oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in a large Chinese tertiary hospital consecutively from 2013 to 2018. We used Pearson's correlation test to evaluate the correlation between OGTT and HbA1c. The diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c for GDM was examined with the receiver operating characteristic curve, using OGTT as the reference standard.

Results

A total of 3,547 (18.42%) women were diagnosed with GDM. HbA1c was positively, but only weakly correlated with the fasting, 1-hour glucose, and 2-hour glucose (r=0.31, 0.24, and 0.25, respectively, all P<0.001). The area under the curve of the HbA1c level for detecting GDM was 0.664 (95% CI: 0.653-0.674, P<0.01). The optimal cut-off point of HbA1c for GDM diagnosis was determined at 5.0% (31 mmol/mol), which yielded a sensitivity of 60.1%, a specificity of 65.3%, a positive predictive value of 28.1%, and a negative predictive value of 87.9%.

Conclusions

HbA1c test is weakly correlated with OGTT during pregnancy, and it offers only limited value in diagnosing GDM among Chinese pregnant individuals.

[Risk factors analysis of gestational diabetes mellitus based on International Association of Diabetes Pregnancy Study Groups criteria]

OBJECTIVE

To study the risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

This retrospective case-control study was conducted among women registered at the Department of Obstetrics of West China Second University Hospital between March, 2016 and May, 2018. The women were divided into case group (GDM) and control group (Non- GDM) according to the diagnosis of GDM based on the International Association of Diabetes Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. The data including age, education level, ethnicity and other socio-demographic data, as well as the gestational week, parity, polycystic ovary syndrome, family history of diabetes, fat mass, total body water, minerals and other clinical characteristics were collected. Univariate Logistic regression analysis was performed and the variables with statistical difference and clinical significance were included in multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors of GDM.

RESULTS

A total of 3608 pregnant women were included in the study. Univariate logistic analysis revealed that age, previous GDM, intracellular/extracellular water, fat mass, arm circumference, skeletal muscle mass were risk factors for GDM. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age, previous GDM, family history of DM, and an arm circumference ≥28.5 cm were independent risk factors for GDM after controlling pre-pregnancy BMI. The risk of GDM in pregnant women aged 30-35 years and 36 years or older was 1.883 (P < 0.001) and 2.883 (P < 0.001) times of that in women aged 20-29 years, respectively. Women with a history of GDM had a 6.604 (P < 0.001) greater risk of developing GDM than women without a history of GDM. Compared with those without a family history of diabetes, those with a family history of diabetes were 2.518 times more likely to develop GDM (P < 0.001). Compared with those with an arm circumference no greater than 25.5 cm, pregnant women with an arm circumference over 28.5 cm had an increased risk of GDM by 2.815 times (P < 0.001). High fat free mass was a protective factor for GDM, and compared with a fat free mass below 35.1 kg, a fat free mass over 40.1 kg was associated with a lowered risk of GDM by 0.515 times (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The onset of GDM was affected by multiple factors. Age, history of GDM, family history of diabetes, and a large arm circumference are all independent risk factors of GDM and should be controlled to reduce the incidence of GDM.