Pregnancy outcome in women with gestational diabetes mellitus according to the Carpenter-Coustan criteria in Thailand

Risk factors of late-onset gestational diabetes diagnosed during 24-28 weeks of gestation after normal early screening: a case-control study

Objective

To determine the risk factors associated with late-onset GDM (diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation) after normal early screening.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in 600 singleton pregnant women who started antenatal care before 20 weeks with normal early GDM screening. Repeat screening was performed at 24-28 weeks. Cases were 120 women with late-onset GDM and 480 controls were those without GDM. Risk factors for late-onset GDM were evaluated and pregnancy outcomes were compared.

Results

Cases were significantly older, and more likely to be overweight or obese. 50-g GCT of ≥ 160 mg/dL and abnormal 1 value of 100-g OGTT significantly increased the risk of late-onset GDM (p = 0.004 and < 0.001 respectively). Independent risk factors were abnormal 1 value of 100-g OGTT from first screening (adjusted OR 5.49, 95% CI 2.70-11.17, p < 0.001), age ≥ 30 years (adjusted OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.66-4.43, p < 0.001), DM in family (adjusted OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.07-2.88, p = 0.025), and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (adjusted OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.17-2.97, p = 0.009). Late-onset GDM significantly increased the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, LGA, and macrosomia.

Conclusion

Independent factors associated with late-onset GDM included abnormal 1 value of 100-g OGTT from first screening, age ≥ 30 years, DM in family, and being overweight or obese.

Early universal screening of gestational diabetes in a university hospital in Thailand

A total of 1016 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic before 20 weeks of gestation during September 2018 to February 2019 were included in a cohort study with repeated cross-sectional assessments. The study was aimed to determine prevalence and characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy outcomes by early universal screening approach. GDM screening was performed during first visit and repeated during 24-28 weeks of gestation, as necessary, using a 50-g glucose challenge test followed by a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test for GDM diagnosis. Overall prevalence of GDM was 18.6%. A significantly higher prevalence of GDM was observed among high-risk than low-risk women (21.3% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.002). GDM among low-risk women contributed to 23.3% of all GDM cases. The majority of GDM (76.2%) were diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation, with 74.5% occurring in high-risk women and 81.8% occurring in low-risk women. When initial screening tests were normal, risk of GDM diagnosed during 24-28 weeks was 6.0% (7.5% among high-risk women and 3.1% among low-risk women). Compared to those without GDM, women with GDM significantly had lower gestational weight gain (p < 0.001), higher prevalence of preeclampsia (p = 0.001), large for gestational age (LGA) (p = 0.034) and macrosomia (p = 0.004). These outcomes were more pronounced among high-risk women with GDM. Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Universal GDM screening is recommended during 24-28 weeks of gestation, either by 1- or 2-step approach. Some also recommend early GDM screening among high-risk women. Prevalence of early-onset GDM varies between studies and benefits of early diagnosis and treatment are still controversial.What do the results of this study add? Early universal GDM screening identified more women with GDM and majority could be diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation. GDM among low-risk women contributed to 23.3% of all cases. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were more common among high-risk women with GDM. This approach could be useful and can be implemented in other settings, especially those that serve high-risk population or with high GDM prevalence.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Early universal GDM screening should be considered in settings with high prevalence of GDM and high-risk women. However, benefits of early detection and treatment of GDM should be determined in more details in the future, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and improvement in pregnancy outcomes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse outcomes of pregnancy after adjustment for at least minimal confounding factors.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, from 1 January 1990 to 1 November 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

Cohort studies and control arms of trials reporting complications of pregnancy in women with gestational diabetes mellitus were eligible for inclusion. Based on the use of insulin, studies were divided into three subgroups: no insulin use (patients never used insulin during the course of the disease), insulin use (different proportions of patients were treated with insulin), and insulin use not reported. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the status of the country (developed or developing), quality of the study, diagnostic criteria, and screening method. Meta-regression models were applied based on the proportion of patients who had received insulin.

RESULTS

156 studies with 7 506 061 pregnancies were included, and 50 (32.1%) showed a low or medium risk of bias. In studies with no insulin use, when adjusted for confounders, women with gestational diabetes mellitus had increased odds of caesarean section (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 1.32), preterm delivery (1.51, 1.26 to 1.80), low one minute Apgar score (1.43, 1.01 to 2.03), macrosomia (1.70, 1.23 to 2.36), and infant born large for gestational age (1.57, 1.25 to 1.97). In studies with insulin use, when adjusted for confounders, the odds of having an infant large for gestational age (odds ratio 1.61, 1.09 to 2.37), or with respiratory distress syndrome (1.57, 1.19 to 2.08) or neonatal jaundice (1.28, 1.02 to 1.62), or requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (2.29, 1.59 to 3.31), were higher in women with gestational diabetes mellitus than in those without diabetes. No clear evidence was found for differences in the odds of instrumental delivery, shoulder dystocia, postpartum haemorrhage, stillbirth, neonatal death, low five minute Apgar score, low birth weight, and small for gestational age between women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus after adjusting for confounders. Country status, adjustment for body mass index, and screening methods significantly contributed to heterogeneity between studies for several adverse outcomes of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

When adjusted for confounders, gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with pregnancy complications. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the adverse outcomes of pregnancy related to gestational diabetes mellitus. Future primary studies should routinely consider adjusting for a more complete set of prognostic factors.

REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021265837.

Interventional effect of dietary fiber on blood glucose and pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

To investigate the effect of dietary fiber on blood glucose and pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). One hundred and twelve patients with GDM in the second trimester of pregnancy were recruited from Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Patients were randomized into two groups with 56 in each group: the control group received basic nutrition support; while the dietary fiber group were given additional dietary fiber ( total dietary fiber per day) before meals in addition to basic nutrition support. Intervention for all cases lasted for 8 weeks. Fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose (2 h BG) were measured every week, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at 42 d postpartum to evaluate the glycemic outcomes. Perinatal outcomes were recorded. The dietary fiber intervention markedly improved 2 h BG in patients with GDM and significantly elevated the glucose compliance rate from the 3rd to 8th week compared to the control group ( <0.05 or <0.01). OGTT 2 h glucose and the incidence of impaired glucose tolerance in the dietary fiber group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the glucose compliance rate was significantly higher than that in the control group (all <0.01). Moreover, the rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, such as premature rupture of membranes and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia were declined in the dietary fiber group (<0.05 or <0.01). Dietary fiber intervention can ameliorate hyperglycemia in GDM patients, improve perinatal outcomes and reduce the incidence of postpartum impaired glucose tolerance.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Southeast Asia: A Scoping Review

A rapid increase in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with various factors such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, adverse hyperglycemic intrauterine environment, and the resulting epigenetic changes. Despite this, the burden of GDM has not been well-assessed in Southeast Asia. We comprehensively reviewed published Southeast Asian studies to identify the current research trend in GDM in this region. Joanna Briggs Institute’s methodology was used to guide the scoping review. The synthesis of literature findings demonstrates almost comparable clinical evidence in terms of risk factors and complications, challenges presented in diagnosing GDM, and its disease management, given the similarities of the underlying population characteristics in Southeast Asia. Evidence suggests that a large proportion of GDM risk in women may be preventable by lifestyle modifications. However, the GDM burden across countries is expected to rise, given the heterogeneity in screening approaches and diagnostic criteria, mainly influenced by economic status. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts by government and nongovernmental sectors to implement national programs to prevent, manage, and monitor the disease.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Gestational Diabetes With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study assessed the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obese pregnant females with GDM and OSA.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted (April 2014 - June 2016). Obese females at 24 to 34 weeks gestation and with diet-controlled GDM were screened for OSA. Those with OSA were randomly assigned to receive 2 weeks nightly CPAP or be part of a waitlist control group. After 2 weeks, all patients were offered CPAP. The primary outcome was glucose metabolism, obtained from an oral meal tolerance test (MTT) at baseline and 2 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were randomized to CPAP and 18 to control groups. There were no significant changes between groups in fasting glucose, glucose response to MTT, and insulin sensitivity or secretion after 2 weeks. Those adherent to CPAP had significantly improved insulin secretion (P = .016) compared to the control group. When a counterfactual instrumental variable approach was applied to deal with nonadherence, the CPAP group had significantly improved insulin secretion (P = .002) and insulin sensitivity (P = .015). Lower rates of preterm delivery (P = .002), unplanned cesarean section (P = .005), and neonatal intensive care unit admissions (P < .001) were observed among those who used CPAP longer than 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Two weeks of CPAP in females with GDM and OSA did not result in improved glucose levels, but insulin secretion improved in those adherent to CPAP. Continued CPAP use was possibly associated with improved pregnancy outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Gestational Diabetes: Incidence and Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Glucose Metabolism; Identifier: NCT02108197; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02108197.

Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Eastern and Southeastern Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AIM

To review the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Eastern and Southeastern Asia.

METHODS

We systematically searched for observational studies on GDM prevalence from January 2000 to December 2016. Inclusion criteria were original English papers, with full texts published in peer-reviewed journals. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia. Fixed effects and random effects models were used to estimate the summary prevalence of GDM and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 4415 papers were screened, and 48 studies with 63 GDM prevalence observations were included in the final review. The pooled prevalence of GDM was 10.1% (95% CI: 6.5%-15.7%), despite substantial variations across nations. The prevalence of GDM in lower- or upper-middle income countries was about 64% higher than in their high-income counterparts. Moreover, the one-step screening method was twice more likely to be used in diagnosing GDM when compared to the two-step screening procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of GDM in Eastern and Southeastern Asia was high and varied among and within countries. There is a need for international uniformity in screening strategies and diagnostic criteria for GDM.

Obstructive sleep apnea and diet-controlled gestational diabetes

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was shown to be associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, prevalence of OSA in GDM women, its relationship to metabolic control, and predictive factors have not been studied.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty-two obese pregnant women with diet-controlled GDM between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation participated. The Berlin questionnaire was used to assess OSA symptoms. OSA was diagnosed using an overnight monitor. Fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were obtained. Those with OSA underwent meal tolerance test (MTT) to assess their metabolic parameters. Classification tree analysis was used to develop a screening tool for OSA.

RESULTS

At a median gestational age of 29 weeks, OSA was diagnosed in 52.4% of the women, with a median apnea hypopnea index of 9.4 (interquartile range 6.4, 12.4). More severe OSA was significantly correlated with higher fasting glucose but not HbA1c. For those with OSA, sleep parameters related to oxygen desaturation significantly correlated with higher fasting insulin resistance and more severe β-cell dysfunction, as evaluated by MTT. A screening tool involving two variables, neck circumference and Berlin Questionnaire score, was developed. The sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 51%, respectively. The overall accuracy was 70%.

CONCLUSION

OSA is prevalent in obese pregnant women with diet-controlled GDM in the late second to early third trimester. OSA severity, especially the degree of oxygen desaturation, correlated with fasting glucose, insulin resistance, and β-cell function. A simple screening tool involving the Berlin Questionnaire and neck circumference can aid in predicting OSA in this patient group.

High prevalence of diabetes and abnormal glucose tolerance in Thai women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus

AIM

To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) women.

METHODS

100 pGDM women randomly selected from the database of the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology. 75 g-OGTT were performed in subjects without known diabetes. AGT was diagnosed using the American Diabetes Association criteria.

RESULTS

The mean age, pre-gestational BMI, and time since delivery were 38 ± 5 years, 24.5 ± 5.7 kg/m2, and 46 ± 26 months. Overall, 81% of the subjects had AGT, including IGT (38%), IGT + IFG (5%), T2DM (38%). Plasma glucose (PG) at 1 h after a 50 g-glucose challenge test (GCT), PG at 1 h after 100 g-OGTT, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were significantly greater in women with AGT than normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women. The proportion of women with ≥3 abnormal PG values during 100 g-OGTT was greater in AGT than NGT group (50.7% vs. 15.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that PG ≥ 150 mg/dl at 1 h after a 50 g-GCT and ≥3 abnormal PG values in 100 g-OGTTs were risk factors for developing AGT.

CONCLUSIONS

Eighty-one percent of pGDM women developed AGT within 4 years after delivery. Risk factors for AGT were PG ≥ 150 mg/dl at 1 h after a 50 g-GCT and ≥3 abnormal PG values in a 100 g-OGTT.