Association between polycystic ovarian syndrome and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis

Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in northern Vietnam: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of GDM is necessary to plan health care interventions and policy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of GDM in Thai Binh, Vietnam.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two health facilities in Thai Binh, Vietnam, with the participation of 1,106 pregnant women. Women were recruited at their first antenatal care visit where face-to-face interviews about socioeconomic and reproductive factors were performed. A 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was conducted at 24-28 weeks of gestation. GDM was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization 2013 criteria. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the factors associated with GDM.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of GDM was 27.1%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed maternal age from 25 to 34 (adjusted OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.3-2.9), maternal age ≥ 35 (adjusted OR 3.0; 95%CI 1.7-5.4), pregestational body mass index ≥ 23 (adjusted OR 1.6; 95%CI 1.1-2.3), family history of diabetes (adjusted OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.3-2.9), fertility treatment (adjusted OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.3-3.8), and previous GDM (adjusted OR 3.1; 95%CI 1.4-6.9) were associated with increased odds of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one-fourth of pregnant women in Thai Binh, Vietnam, may have GDM. Advanced maternal age, high pregestational body mass index, family history of diabetes, and previous GDM were associated with increased risk of GDM. Additionally, fertility treatment appears to be strongly associated with an increased risk of GDM.

Pentachlorophenol exposure, plasma metabolomic markers, and gestational diabetes mellitus: Association and potential mediation analyses

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a pervasive endocrine-disrupting compound present in the environment. Limited research has explored the effects of PCP exposure on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), particularly the metabolites-related mechanism. Our study seeks to characterize the interrelationships between PCP exposure, plasma metabolomic markers, and GDM, aiming to elucidate the metabolomic profile mediating PCP-GDM relationship. From a prospective cohort in Changzhou, China, a nested case-control study was conducted, involving 154 GDM cases and 308 controls. We collected fasting blood samples before 16 weeks of gestation and determined PCP levels by UPLC-MS/MS. Plasma metabolomic markers were identified using untargeted metabolomics. Multivariate logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to examine the relationships among PCP exposure, metabolomic markers, and GDM. Using the Mann-Whitney U test, we found that serum PCP levels were significantly higher in GDM cases (median: 0.43 ng/mL, IQR: 0.28-0.77) compared to controls (median: 0.38 ng/mL, IQR: 0.24-0.64; P = 0.041). In the fully adjusted model, which additionally accounted for dietary patterns, the OR (95 %CI) values for GDM across tertiles of serum PCP were 1 (reference), 1.24 (0.73, 2.11), and 2.17 (1.28, 3.68), respectively, indicating a potential dose-response relationship (P trend = 0.004). Furthermore, 152 differential metabolites were identified between groups (FDR <0.05), implicating 4 metabolic pathways: "Nitrogen metabolism", "Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism", "Glycerophospholipid metabolism", and "Pyrimidine metabolism" (FDR <0.1). Mediation analysis revealed that 5 metabolomic markers (such as N-Acetylalanine and 4-Acetamidobutyric acid) significantly mediated the association between PCP and GDM (FDR <0.05), with mediated proportions ranging from 0.15 to 0.31. Together, pregnant women in Eastern China exhibit widespread PCP exposure, with serum PCP levels positively associated with GDM risk. PCP exposure-related metabolomic changes may partially mediate the link between PCP and GDM.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome, a position statement from EGOI-PCOS

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a worldwide health issue in pregnancy, posing a threat to both mother and child. One of the major risk factors for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus is polycystic ovary syndrome, primarily due to the biochemical hyperandrogenism and metabolic issues, commonly observed in these patients. In recent years, the Expert Group on Inositol in Basic and Clinical Research and on PCOS (EGOI-PCOS) has sought to better understand the pathogenesis behind polycystic ovary syndrome, in order to accurately diagnose and treat patients according to their individual needs. Through the scope of polycystic ovary syndrome, this position paper examines the characteristics of both conditions, and underlying biological mechanisms, before moving on to common treatment strategies to avoid or treat gestational diabetes mellitus in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Female-specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease: an update

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While it was previously believed that men have greater susceptibility to CVD, recent research suggests that women face an increased risk of CVD after the onset of menopause, primarily due to the loss of the protective effects of estrogens. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and gestational factors, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), recurrent pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, and preeclampsia, are specific reproductive disorders that may contribute to an elevated risk of CVD at earlier ages, i.e., before the onset of menopause. This suggests that women with these conditions should be closely monitored for CVD risk factors even before reaching menopause. Such early intervention may help reduce the incidence of CVD and improve overall cardiovascular health in this population. The precise pathophysiological mechanism underlying the development of CVD in women with menopause, premature POI, PCOS, and gestational factors remains elusive. This review article seeks to elucidate the latest research on the relationship between these conditions and CVD in women, aiming to explore the underlying pathogenic mechanisms contributing to this association.

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.

Evaluation of preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) level in cord blood of newborns born by mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic complication, which leads to short and long-term consequences in both mother and fetus exposed to hyperglycemia. The aetiology of this condition is proposed to be based on the dysfunction of the adipose tissue, which is characterised by the aberrant generation of adipokines. One of them is preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1), which could mediate controlling the adaptation of the maternal metabolism to pregnancy.

AIMS

The study aims to examine the level of Pref-1 in the cord blood of healthy pregnant women's neonates and fetuses born to mothers with GDM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cord blood samples were collected from 30 newborns of mothers with GDM and 40 newborns of healthy pregnant women. Pref-1 concentrations were measured with an ELISA kit.

RESULTS

Fetal Pref-1 concentrations were significantly lower in newborns of mothers with GDM compared to the normal pregnancy group children (5.32 ± 0.29 vs. 7.38 ± 0.53; p < 0.001). Mothers with GDM had a significantly higher index of BMI before pregnancy, maternal gestational weight gain, and maternal fasting glucose. In-depth analysis through multiple variant linear regression revealed a significant association between fetal serum Pref-1 levels, exposure to GDM, and gestational age.

CONCLUSION

These findings contribute valuable insights into maternal-fetal health and pave the way for more targeted and effective clinical interventions.

Investigating the causal impact of polycystic ovary syndrome on gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Introduction

Determining the causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) holds significant implications for GDM prevention and treatment. Despite numerous observational studies suggesting an association between PCOS and GDM, it remains unclear whether a definitive causal relationship exists between these two conditions and which specific features of PCOS contribute to increased incidence of GDM.

Methods

The causal relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), its characteristic indices, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was investigated using a two-sample Mendelian randomization study based on publicly available statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The inverse-variance weighted method was employed as the primary analytical approach to examine the association between PCOS, its characteristic indices, and GDM. MR Egger intercept was used to assess pleiotropy, while Q values and their corresponding P values were utilized to evaluate heterogeneity. It is important to note that this study adopts a two-sample MR design where PCOS and its characteristic indices are considered as exposures, while GDM is treated as an outcome.

Results

The study results indicate that there is no causal relationship between PCOS and GDM (all methods P > 0.05, 95% CI of OR values passed 1). The IVW OR value was 1.007 with a 95% CI of 0.906 to 1.119 and a P value of 0.904. Moreover, the MR Egger Q value was 8.141 with a P value of 0.701, while the IVW Q value was also 8.141 with a P value of 0.774, indicating no significant heterogeneity. Additionally, the MR Egger intercept was 0.0004, which was close to zero with a P value of 0.988, suggesting no pleiotropy. However, the study did find a causal relationship between several other factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, apolipoprotein A-I, number of children, diabetes illnesses of mother, father and siblings, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, years of schooling, and GDM based on the IVW method.

Conclusion

We observed no association between genetically predicted PCOS and the risk of GDM, implying that PCOS itself does not confer an increased susceptibility to GDM. The presence of other PCOS-related factors such as testosterone, high-density lipoprotein, and sex hormone-binding globulin may elucidate the link between PCOS and GDM. Based on these findings, efforts aimed at preventing GDM in individuals with PCOS should prioritize those exhibiting high-risk features rather than encompassing all women with PCOS.

Maternal self-reported polycystic ovary syndrome with offspring and maternal cardiometabolic outcomes

STUDY QUESTION

Do children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an adverse cardiometabolic profile including arterial stiffness at 9 years of age compared to other children?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Children of mothers with PCOS did not have differing cardiometabolic outcomes than children without exposure.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

While women with PCOS themselves have higher risk of cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, the evidence on intergenerational impact is unclear. Given in utero sequalae of PCOS (e.g. hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance), the increased risk could be to both boys and girls.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The Upstate KIDS cohort is a population-based birth cohort established in 2008-2010 to prospectively study the impact of infertility treatment on children's health. After ∼10 years of follow-up, 446 mothers and their 556 children attended clinical visits to measure blood pressure (BP), heart rate, arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV), mean arterial pressure, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and anthropometrics.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Women self-reported ever diagnoses of PCOS ∼4 months after delivery of their children in 2008-2010. Linear regression models applying generalized estimating equations to account for correlation within twins were used to examine associations with each childhood cardiometabolic outcome.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In this cohort with women oversampled on infertility treatment, ∼14% of women reported a PCOS diagnosis (n = 61). We observed similarities in BP, heart rate, PWV, lipids, hsCRP, HbA1c, and anthropometry (P-values >0.05) among children born to mothers with and without PCOS. Associations did not differ by child sex.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The sample size of women with PCOS precluded further separation of subgroups (e.g. by hirsutism). The population-based approach relied on self-reported diagnosis of maternal PCOS even though self-report has been found to be valid. Participants were predominantly non-Hispanic White and a high proportion were using fertility treatment due to the original design. Differences in cardiometabolic health may be apparent later in age, such as after puberty.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our results provide some reassurance that cardiometabolic factors do not differ in children of women with and without self-reported PCOS during pregnancy.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, United States (contracts #HHSN275201200005C, #HHSN267200700019C, #HHSN275201400013C, #HHSN275201300026I/27500004, #HHSN275201300023I/27500017). The authors have no conflicts of interest.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03106493.

Diabetes detection in women with gestational diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) represent two of the highest risk factors for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in young women. As these increasingly common conditions generally affect younger women, early detection of dysglycemia is key if preventative measures are to be effective. While international guidance recommends screening for type 2 diabetes, current screening strategies suffer from significant challenges.First, guidance lacks consensus in defining which tests to use and frequency of monitoring, thereby sending mixed messages to healthcare professionals.Second, conformity to guidance is poor, with only a minority of women having tests at the recommended frequency (where specified). Approaches to improve conformity have focused on healthcare related factors (largely technology driven reminder systems), but patient factors such as convenience and clear messaging around risk have been neglected.Third, and most critically, current screening strategies are too generic and rely on tests that become abnormal far too late in the trajectory towards dysglycemia to offer opportunities for effective preventative measures. Risk factors show wide interindividual variation, and insulin sensitivity and β cell function are often abnormal during pre-diabetes stage, well before frank diabetes.New, consistent, targeted screening strategies are required that incorporate early, prevention focused testing and personalised risk stratification.

The prospective association of hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome with incident gestational diabetes: The coronary artery risk development in young adults women's study

In this 28-year prospective study of 455 women (mean age: 26 years), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was associated with a 2.6-fold elevated risk of gestational diabetes (GDM). However, hyperandrogenism or oligomenorrhea in the absence of PCOS was not associated with GDM.

Effect of Gestational Weight Gain during the First Half of Pregnancy on the Incidence of GDM, Results from a Pregnant Cohort in Northern Greece

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gestational weight gain (GWG) up to 23⁺⁶ weeks of gestation on the incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A pregnant cohort of 5948 women in Northern Greece was recruited. Anthropometric features before and during pregnancy were recorded, the GWG by 23⁺⁶ weeks was calculated and a Generalized Linear Regression Model (GLM) with subgroup analyses based on weight status were computed. GDM was diagnosed in 5.5% of women. GLM results showed that GDM likelihood increased with maternal age (MA) and pre-pregnancy BMI (aOR: 1.08, 95%CI: [1.06, 1.11] and aOR: 1.09, 95%CI: [1.09, 1.11], respectively). Ιn the normal pre-pregnancy weight group, when the extra weight gain was >8 kgs, the odds of GDM increased (OR: 2.13, 95%CI: [0.98, 4.21], p = 0.03). Women with pre-pregnancy level 2 clinical obesity (OB2 pre) (BMI > 35 and <40 kg/m²) that shifted to OB3 category (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²) had an increased GDM likelihood (OR: 4.85, 95%CI: [1.50, 15.95]). Women of higher MA may require stricter monitoring for GDM from early pregnancy, while in obese women, recommended GWG may need to be re-evaluated, since refraining from any weight gain may have a preventive effect for GDM.

Genetic variants of the GLP-1R gene affect the susceptibility and glucose metabolism of gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-center nested case‒control study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication during pregnancy, occurring under the combined action of environmental and genetic factors. Genetic variants of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) have been reported to affect insulin secretion and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to explore the role of GLP-1R polymorphisms in GDM and glucose metabolism.

METHODS

A two-center nested case‒control study was designed, including 200 pregnant women with GDM and 200 pregnant women without GDM genotyped for five tag SNPs of GLP-1R using Sanger sequencing. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between GLP-1R polymorphisms and GDM risk. Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured based upon the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Beta cell function of different genotypes was estimated with the 60 min insulinogenic index (IGI₆₀) and OGTT-derived disposition index (DI).

RESULTS

Mutant genotype AG + GG of tag SNP rs6458093 nominally increased GDM risk (p = 0.049), especially among subjects younger than 35 years (p = 0.024) and with BMI no less than 24 (p = 0.041), after adjusting for confounders. Meanwhile, compared with subjects with wild genotype AA, subjects with genotype AG + GG of rs6458093 also showed nominally significantly lower IGI₆₀ (p = 0.032) and DI (p = 0.029), as well as significantly higher 75 g OGTT-based 1 h glucose load plasma glucose levels (p = 0.045). Moreover, the mutant heterozygous genotype GA of tag SNP rs3765467 nominally decreased GDM risk among subjects older than 35 years (p = 0.037) but showed no association with insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Tag SNP rs6458093 of GLP-1R was nominally associated with increased GDM risk and affected beta cell function and postprandial glucose metabolism, while tag SNP rs3765467 of GLP-1R was nominally associated with decreased GDM risk, providing evidence for molecular markers and etiological study of GDM.

Gestational diabetes and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides an update on gestational diabetes (GDM) and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common metabolic disorders and causes of infertility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies using Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS have supported prior literature suggesting that pregnant individuals with PCOS are at an increased risk of GDM. Risk factors for GDM in this population include overweight/obesity, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, amenorrhea, and history of miscarriage. It is possible that subtypes of PCOS (metabolic vs. lean/reproductive) pose differential risk. There are no current screening or treatment guidelines specifically for individuals with PCOS for GDM prevention. Although metformin has been studied for GDM prevention in PCOS, there has been no proven benefit. For infertility treatment, assisted reproductive technology and in-vitro fertilization do not appear to increase the risk of GDM in individuals with PCOS desiring pregnancy.

SUMMARY

Recent studies of pregnant individuals with PCOS suggest an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including GDM. Larger, prospective studies using standardized diagnostic criteria are warranted to determine if the risk is from PCOS generally, or if there are subtypes of PCOS (metabolic vs. lean/reproductive) at a higher risk of GDM than others.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Does the Challenge End at Conception?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent condition that not only has the potential to impede conception but also represents the most common endocrine dysfunction in fertile women. It is considered a heterogeneous and multifaceted disorder, with multiple reproductive and metabolic phenotypes which differently affect the early- and long-term syndrome's risks. Undoubtedly, the impact of PCOS on infertility has attracted most of the attention of healthcare providers and investigators. However, there is growing evidence that even after conception is achieved, PCOS predisposes the parturient to several adverse pregnancy outcomes including a high risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension, spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth, which increase the risks of stillbirth and neonatal death. Fetal growth abnormalities may also be more common, but the relationship is less well defined. This narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding these conditions as they interplay with PCOS and concludes that although there appears to be an increase in these complications during the pregnancy of women with PCOS, there is a need for further research to clarify the possible confounding impact of obesity. Implications for clinical practice and future research are outlined.