Clinical impact of women with gestational diabetes mellitus by the new consensus criteria: two year experience in a single institution in Japan

Maternal birth weight as an indicator of early and late gestational diabetes mellitus: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal birth weight (MBW) with early and late gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A total of 69318 pregnant Japanese women were included in this birth cohort study. The associations between maternal birth weight and early gestational diabetes mellitus (diagnosed at <24 gestational weeks) and late GDM (diagnosed at ≥24 gestational weeks) were investigated using a multinomial logistic regression model, with an maternal birth weight of 3000-3499 g as the reference category.

RESULTS

Lower maternal birth weight was associated with higher odds of developing early and late gestational diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for early gestational diabetes mellitus in participants with a MBW of <2500 g and 2500-2999 g were 1.345 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.912-1.984) and 1.338 (95% CI: 1.098-1.629), respectively. The aORs for late gestational diabetes mellitus in participants with a MBW of <2500 g and 2500-2999 g were, 1.657 (95% CI: 1.298-2.115) and 1.218 (95% CI: 1.058-1.402), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the gestational age when gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed, a lower maternal birth weight was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, the association of a MBW <2500 g with late gestational diabetes mellitus tended to be stronger than that with early gestational diabetes mellitus.

Dietary Intake and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Results in Women with Gestational Diabetes

Background/Objective: Diet is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). There are few studies on women's diet and glucose tolerance test (GTT) results during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between one's previous diet and the number of abnormal values on the diagnostic GTT in women with GDM. We hypothesized that there would be an inverse relation between antioxidant micronutrient consumption and the number of abnormal GTT values. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 women diagnosed with GDM (2-h, 75 g-GTT), divided in two groups as follows: 1 abnormal glucose value and 2-3 abnormal values. Shortly after the diagnosis, participants answered a validated food frequency questionnaire to assess their food consumption in the last 6 months. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the dietary intake of the participants in the two groups. Results: The participant characteristics were similar. The median intake of total calories, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins did not differ significantly between groups. Participants with 1 abnormal GTT value had significantly higher intakes of fiber (11.9 vs. 11.0 g/day p = 0.049), vitamin D (40.6 vs. 40.4 mcg/day p = 0.049), and vitamin C (180.0 vs. 151.0 mg/day p = 0.008) than those with 2-3 abnormal values. Conclusions: Our results suggest a possible association between the consumption of fiber and antioxidant micronutrients and the number of abnormal GTT values.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin and singleton pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal complications between twin and singleton pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus and the respective group without gestational diabetes mellitus (controls).

DATA SOURCES

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from January 1980 to May 2023.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Observational studies reporting maternal and perinatal outcomes in singleton and/or twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus vs controls were included.

METHODS

This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled estimate risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were generated to determine the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes between twin and singleton pregnancies with and without gestational diabetes mellitus. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated in the model and expressed using the I2 statistic. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. The meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager (RevMan Web). Version 5.4. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020. Meta-regression was used to compare relative risks between singleton and twin pregnancies. The addition of multiple covariates into the models was used to address the lack of adjustments.

RESULTS

Overall, 85 studies in singleton pregnancies and 27 in twin pregnancies were included. In singleton pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus, compared with controls, there were increased risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (relative risk, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-2.01), induction of labor (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.77), cesarean delivery (relative risk, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.38), large-for-gestational-age neonate (relative risk, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-1.77), preterm birth (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.46), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (relative risk, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-1.49). In twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus, compared with controls, there were increased risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (relative risk, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-1.90), cesarean delivery (relative risk, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.13), large-for-gestational-age neonate (relative risk, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.60), preterm birth (relative risk, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.32), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (relative risk, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.32) and reduced risks of small-for-gestational-age neonate (relative risk, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.97) and neonatal death (relative risk, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.65). When comparing relative risks in singleton vs twin pregnancies, there was sufficient evidence to suggest that twin pregnancies have a lower relative risk of cesarean delivery (P=.003), have sufficient adjustment for confounders, and have lower relative risks of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (P=.005), stillbirths (P=.002), and neonatal death (P=.001) than singleton pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

In both singleton and twin pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In twin pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus may have a milder effect on some adverse perinatal outcomes and may be associated with a lower risk of neonatal death.

Precision gestational diabetes treatment: a systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects approximately 1 in 7 pregnancies globally. It is associated with short- and long-term risks for both mother and baby. Therefore, optimizing treatment to effectively treat the condition has wide-ranging beneficial effects. However, despite the known heterogeneity in GDM, treatment guidelines and approaches are generally standardized. We hypothesized that a precision medicine approach could be a tool for risk-stratification of women to streamline successful GDM management. With the relatively short timeframe available to treat GDM, commencing effective therapy earlier, with more rapid normalization of hyperglycaemia, could have benefits for both mother and fetus.

METHODS

We conducted two systematic reviews, to identify precision markers that may predict effective lifestyle and pharmacological interventions.

RESULTS

There was a paucity of studies examining precision lifestyle-based interventions for GDM highlighting the pressing need for further research in this area. We found a number of precision markers identified from routine clinical measures that may enable earlier identification of those requiring escalation of pharmacological therapy (to metformin, sulphonylureas or insulin). This included previous history of GDM, Body Mass Index and blood glucose concentrations at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical measurements at diagnosis could potentially be used as precision markers in the treatment of GDM. Whether there are other sensitive markers that could be identified using more complex individual-level data, such as omics, and if these can feasibly be implemented in clinical practice remains unknown. These will be important to consider in future studies.

Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus may be treated in both early and late pregnancy, especially in patients with pre-pregnancy overweight: A cross-sectional study in Japan

The significance of diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in early pregnancy is controversial. We used the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria to investigate whether clinical background and neonatal outcomes differ depending on when GDM is diagnosed in early or late pregnancy. This was a single-center, observational study conducted between November 2012 and March 2020 at St. Marianna University Hospital (Kawasaki, Japan). We compared the background and perinatal outcomes of patients with GDM depending on the time of diagnosis (at < 24 gestational weeks or ≥ 24 weeks). Insulin sensitivity index, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and β-cell function were calculated from a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Stratified analysis was performed by pre-pregnancy BMI in patients with early GDM. As a result, in the 507 patients, 89.9% gave birth at our hospital. The pre-pregnancy BMI was significantly higher in patients with early GDM than in those with late GDM (the median [interquartile range], 22.7 [20.3, 26.3] and 21.5 [19.3, 23.8] kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.001). Perinatal outcomes were not different between the two groups. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients with early GDM, the prevalence of large-for-gestational-age infants was significantly higher in the group with overweight (15.4% vs 2.1%, respectively; p = 0.008). In conclusion, patients with GDM using the IADPSG criteria in early pregnancy may be treated, especially in patients with pre-pregnancy overweight.

Comparing the course and delivery outcomes of Japanese twin pregnancies with and without gestational diabetes mellitus: a single-center retrospective analysis

Singleton pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Multiple pregnancies are associated with increased risks of perinatal complications; however, the impact of GDM on maternal and neonatal outcomes in multiple pregnancies is unknown, and there are currently few reports on GDM status in twin pregnancies. This study aimed to compare the background and perinatal outcomes between Japanese twin pregnancies with and without GDM at a perinatal center in Japan. Additionally, the clinical course of GDM was investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, women with twin pregnancies underwent GDM screening at Yokohama City University Medical Center from January 2011 to December 2016. Overall, 307 twin pregnancies were divided into GDM (47 cases, 15.3%) and non-GDM (260 cases, 84.7%) groups. GDM-associated pregnancy complications, GDM status, and pregnancy outcomes were ascertained. Women with GDM were older and had a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index than those without GDM. Glycemic control was good in all patients, and there was no difference in delivery outcomes between the two groups. Gestational weight gain was lower in pregnant women with GDM (+8.0 kg) than in those without GDM (+11.8 kg), suggesting the impact of strict nutritional guidance on twin pregnancies with GDM. In conclusion, twin pregnancies with GDM did not have different delivery outcomes compared to those without GDM. To manage twin pregnancies with GDM, this study suggests that it is important to monitor patients' weight and blood glucose levels.

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.

Behaviors of Turkish pregnant women towards gestational diabetes screening

OBJECTIVES

Although gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in pregnancy some pregnant women still refuse to undergo oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of pregnant women undergoing OGTT, and to compare perinatal results between women who undergo and refuse OGTT.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed by evaluating the data of Izmir Katip Celebi University Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic between 2012-2017. Data of 2079 pregnant were evaluated retrospectively. Among 373 women who refused OGTT were evaluated as the study group, while remaining 1706 women who underwent OGTT were considered as the control group. The groups were compared with regard to perinatal results.

RESULTS

Sixty-two point four percent of the group who refused OGTT had a C-section, while 56.3% of the control group had a C-section (p<0.05). Intrauterine growth retardation, fetal distress, amniotic fluid pathologies, macrosomia, gestational hypertension and perinatal death were slightly higher in pregnant women who did not undergo OGTT compared to the control group, however, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Maternal complications and poor pregnancy results were found slightly higher in pregnant women who refused OGTT. These results might be explained by assuring glycemic control in pregnant women who refused OGTT by a series of fasting and postprandial blood sugar measurements in our center.

Effect of interventions in pregnant women with mildly impaired glucose tolerance

AIM

In 2010, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) changed the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to follow the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria. As a result, many pregnant women with mildly impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were newly diagnosed with GDM. This study aimed to verify the effects of interventions in pregnant women with mild IGT who were newly diagnosed with GDM based on the present JSOG criteria.

METHODS

We defined mild IGT as a degree of IGT that would be diagnosed as GDM according to the present but not the previous JSOG criteria. We compared pregnancy and delivery outcomes in women with mild IGT who delivered a singleton at 22 weeks of gestation or later, between 2000 and 2009 (untreated group, n = 503) versus between 2011 and 2017 (treated group, n = 781).

RESULTS

The incidence of GDM-related composite complications such as macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome was comparable in the untreated and treated groups (10.1% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.11). The pregnancy outcomes were also comparable, except for infant birth weights, which were lower in the treated group than in the untreated group (3014 g vs. 3094 g; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy outcomes were not affected by the interventions in pregnant women with mild IGT.

A comparison of meal tolerance test and oral glucose tolerance test for predicting insulin therapy in patients with gestational diabetes

Aims

To identify factors predicting a need for insulin therapy in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by comparing plasma glucose (PG) levels in a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (75-g OGTT) with those in a 500-kcal meal tolerance test (MTT) containing 75 g of carbohydrate.

Subjects and methods

The MTT was performed in 61 patients who diagnosed with GDM by a 75-g OGTT (age, 33.2 ± 4.5 years; prepregnancy body mass index, 22.6 ± 4.7 kg/m²; number of gestational weeks, 25.1 ± 6.4 weeks). PG and serum insulin levels were measured before the meal and up to 180 min after the meal. The insulin secretion capacity and resistance index were calculated.

Results

PG levels increased from 86.8 ± 8.8 mg/dL at fasting to 132.7 ± 20.1 mg/dL at 30 min, and 137.8 ± 27.7 mg/dL at 60 min after MTT in the 35 patients with needed insulin therapy; these levels were significantly higher than those in the 26 patients, who only needed diet therapy. The patients with needed insulin therapy had significantly higher fasting PG levels in the 75-g OGTT, PG levels at fasting and 30 min after the MTT, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and a significantly lower disposition index (DI) and insulin index than patients treated by diet alone. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed for factors involved in insulin therapy, with the following cutoff values: fasting PG in the 75-g OGTT, 92 mg/dL; PG 30 min after MTT, 129 mg/dL; HOMA-IR, 1.51; DI, 3.9; HbA1c, 5.4%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the 30-min PG level after MTT and HOMA-IR predicted insulin therapy.

Conclusion

PG levels at 30 min after MTT may be useful for identifying patients with GDM, who need insulin therapy.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Clinical Characteristics and Perinatal Outcomes in a Multiethnic Population of North Italy

AIM

To evaluate clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes in a heterogeneous population of Caucasians born in Italy and High Migration Pressure Countries (HMPC) women with GDM living in Piedmont, North Italy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 586 women referring to our unit (2015-2020). Epidemiological (age and country of origin) and clinical-metabolic features (height, weight, family history of DM, parity, previous history of GDM, OGTT results, and GDM treatment) were collected. The database of certificates of care at delivery was consulted in relation to neonatal/maternal complications (rates of caesarean sections, APGAR score, fetal malformations, and neonatal anthropometry).

RESULTS

43.2% of women came from HMPC; they were younger (p < 0.0001) and required insulin treatment more frequently than Caucasian women born in Italy (χ ² = 17.8, p=0.007). Higher fasting and 120-minute OGTT levels and gestational BMI increased the risk of insulin treatment (OGTT T0: OR = 1.04, CI 95% 1.016-1.060, p=0.005; OGTT T120: OR = 1.01, CI 95% 1.002-1.020, p=0.02; BMI: OR = 1.089, CI 95% 1.051-1.129, p < 0.0001). Moreover, two or more diagnostic OGTT glucose levels doubled the risk of insulin therapy (OR = 2.03, IC 95% 1.145-3.612, p=0.016). We did not find any association between ethnicities and neonatal/maternal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In our multiethnic GDM population, the need for intensive care and insulin treatment is high in HPMC women although the frequency of adverse peripartum and newborn outcomes does not vary among ethnic groups. The need for insulin therapy should be related to different genetic backgrounds, dietary habits, and Nutrition Transition phenomena. Thus, nutritional intervention and insulin treatment need to be tailored.

Correlation between Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Abnormalities and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with maternal and neonatal complications. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the abnormalities of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This was a retrospective study of GDM patients over a five-year period in a Malaysian tertiary center. The diagnosis of GDM was based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline. The data on patients' demographics, OGTT results, GDM treatment, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. A total of 1105 women were included in the final analysis. The percentage of women with isolated abnormal fasting glucose, isolated two-hour abnormality, and both abnormal values were 4.8%, 87.1%, and 8.1%, respectively. Women with both OGTT abnormalities had a higher risk of preeclampsia (odds ratio (OR) 4.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45-15.41) and neonatal hypoglycemia (OR 8.78; 95% CI 1.93-39.88). Isolated postprandial abnormality was associated with an 80% lesser risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.04-0.87). Both isolated fasting and multiple OGTT abnormalities were associated with insulin therapy. Multiple OGTT abnormalities were a positive predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes, while isolated postprandial abnormality was associated with a lesser risk of neonatal complication. Further prospective study is essential to validate these findings.

Pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus in lean Japanese pregnant women in relation to insulin secretion or insulin resistance

To determine the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes (GDM) in lean Japanese pregnant women in relation to insulin secretion or insulin resistance. The 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in case of positive results of universal screening of a 50-g glucose challenge test at 24-28 weeks' gestation in Japanese pregnant women. These women were treated in our hospital between 2012 and 2016. Among these women, 30 with a body mass index of < 18.5 kg/m² were selected as lean subjects. Nine women were diagnosed with GDM (GDM group) and the remaining 21 had normal glucose tolerance (control group). For evaluating insulin secretion or resistance, the following parameters were compared between the two groups together with a family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) among first-degree relatives: (1) plasma glucose and immnunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels after glucose loading, (2) insulinogenic index (I.I), (3) homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), (4) homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and (5) insulin sensitivity index (ISI) composite. The percentage of having a family history of DM was significantly higher in the GDM group (3/9, 33.3%) than in the control group (0/21, 0.0%, P < 0.001). Serum glucose levels at 30, 60, and 120 min after glucose loading were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). IRI levels at 60 and 120 min were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (both P < 0.05), and they showed persistent insulin secretion patterns. Values of the I.I. and ISI composite were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group (both P < 0.05), with no differences in HOMA-β, HOMA-IR and HbA1c levels between the groups. Lean Japanese pregnant women with GDM have impaired β-cell function, which is in part associated with hereditary traits.

Economic burden of IADPSG gestational diabetes diagnostic criteria in China: propensity score matching analysis from a 7-year retrospective cohort

INTRODUCTION

The International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increased the morbidity significantly, but the cost and effectiveness of its application are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the IADPSG criteria for diagnosing GDM in China on the perinatal outcomes, and medical expenditure of GDM women versus those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 7794 women admitted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Guangzhou, China), from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2017. The perinatal outcomes and medical expenditure were retrieved from the electronic medical records in the hospital. Propensity score matching (PSM, in a 1:1 ratio) algorithm was used to minimize confounding effects on the difference in the two cohorts.

RESULTS

PSM minimized the difference of baseline characteristics between women with and without GDM. Of 7794 pregnant women, half (n=3897) were all of the pregnant women with GDM admitted to the hospital during the period, the other half women had NGT and were selected randomly to match with their counterparts. Adopting the IADPSG criteria was associated with reduced risk of emergency cesarean section, polyhydramnios, turbid amniotic fluid and perineal injury (p<0.01 for all) and having any one of the adverse fetal outcomes (p<0.01), including fetal distress, umbilical cord around the neck, neonatal encephalopathy, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia and fetal death. After PSM, the median total medical expenditure by the GDM women was ¥912.9 (US$140.7 in 2015) more than that of the the NGT women (p=0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the increasing medical expenditure, screening at 24-28 gestational weeks under the IADPSG guidelines with the 2-hour, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test can improve short-term maternal and neonatal outcomes.

High probability of false-positive gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis during early pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to assess the validity of applying the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at any time during pregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This multicenter cohort study was conducted at five Japanese facilities from January 2018 to April 2019. The study cohort included women at a high risk of GDM who met one or more of the following IADPSG criteria during early pregnancy: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥92 mg/dL and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) value of ≥180 mg/dL at 1 hour, or ≥153 mg/dL at 2 hour (hereafter early-onset GDM). Women diagnosed with early-onset GDM were followed up without therapeutic intervention and underwent the 75 g OGTT again during 24-28 weeks of gestation. Those exhibiting the GDM patterns on the second 75 g OGTT were diagnosed with true GDM and treated, whereas those exhibiting the normal patterns were diagnosed with false positive early GDM and received no therapeutic intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 146 women diagnosed with early-onset GDM, 69 (47%) had normal 75 g OGTT values at 24-28 weeks of gestation, indicating a false-positive result. FPG levels were significantly higher in the first 75 g-OGTT test than in the second 75 g-OGTT test (93 mg/dL and 87.5 mg/dL, respectively; p<0.001). FPG levels were high in 86 (59%) women with early-onset GDM during early pregnancy but in only 39 (27%) women during mid-pregnancy. Compared with false positive early GDM, true GDM was more frequently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although women with early-onset GDM were followed up without treatment, the results of repeated 75 g OGTT during mid-pregnancy were normal in about 50%. Our data did not support the adoption of IADPSG thresholds for the diagnosis of GDM prior to 20 weeks of gestation.

Differences in fetal fractional limb volume changes in normal and gestational diabetic pregnancies: an exploratory observational study

OBJECTIVE

Fetal fractional limb volume has been proposed as a useful measure for quantifying fetal soft tissue development. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth of fractional arm volume (AVol) and fractional thigh volume (TVol) of fetuses with maternal gestational diabetes (GDM) compared with those of fetuses with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). We hypothesised fetal fractional limb volume would be larger in the GDM group than in the NGT group in late gestation.

DESIGN

Exploratory observational study.

SETTING

Saitama Municipal Hospital.

SAMPLE

A total of 165 (125 NGT and 40 GDM) singleton Japanese pregnant women.

METHODS

AVol and TVol were assessed between 20 and 37 weeks' gestation as cylindrical limb volumes based on 50% of the fetal humeral or femoral diaphysis length. Women were diagnosed as GDM based on the criteria of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

AVol and TVol were compared between women with NGT and those with GDM at each gestational age period (2-week intervals from 20 to 37 weeks' gestation).

RESULTS

Overall, 287 ultrasound scans were performed (NGT group, 205 scans; GDM group, 82 scans). There was no significant difference of AVol between the groups before 32 weeks' gestation. AVol was significantly larger in the GDM group than in the NGT group after 32 weeks' gestation (P < 0.05). TVol was not statistically different between the groups across gestation.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of variations in fetal AVol may provide greater insight into understanding the origins of altered fetal body proportion in GDM.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

AVol, but not TVol, is significantly larger in fetuses with GDM than in those with NGT after 32 weeks' gestation.

Impact of introducing the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria on pregnancy outcomes in Japan

To estimate pregnancy complications in women newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to the new International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria and verify the validity of introducing the IADPSG criteria in Japan. This retrospective study included data from women with singleton delivery at 22 weeks or later at a tertiary hospital during 2000-2009. We compared pregnancy outcomes between women who would now be diagnosed with GDM according to the IADPSG criteria but not by the old JSOG criteria (IGT group, n = 503) and women with normal glucose tolerance according to both the criteria (NGT group, n = 2,789). Multivariate analysis was performed and adjusted for background factors. Maternal age at delivery and pre-pregnancy BMI were significantly higher in the IGT group than in the NGT group, while gestational weeks at delivery did not differ between the groups. No difference was observed in the rates of GDM-related composite complications (defined as cases with at least one of the following: macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, or neonatal respiratory distress syndrome) at 11.9% and 8.8% (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.90-1.87, p = 0.16). Pregnancy outcomes did not differ significantly between the IGT and NGT groups, except for frequencies of total neonatal admissions at 10.5% and 7.1%, respectively (adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.12-2.13, p < 0.01).

Impaired early-phase suppression of glucagon secretion after glucose load is associated with insulin requirement during pregnancy in gestational diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The role of glucagon abnormality has recently been reported in type 2 diabetes; however, its role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still unknown. The glucose intolerance in GDM is heterogeneous, and not all patients require insulin treatment during pregnancy. Here, we investigated whether glucagon abnormality is associated with the requirement for insulin treatment during pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 49 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were enrolled. They underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test during mid-gestation, and we measured their plasma glucagon levels (by a new sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) at fasting (0 min), and at 30, 60 and 120 min after glucose load in addition to the levels of plasma glucose and serum insulin. All participants underwent another oral glucose tolerance test at postpartum.

RESULTS

Of the 49 patients, 15 required insulin treatment (Insulin group) and 34 were treated with diet therapy alone until delivery (Diet group). The early-phase glucagon secretion after glucose load, as determined by the changes in glucagon from the baseline to 30 min, was paradoxically augmented during mid-gestation in the Insulin group, but not in the Diet group. The impaired glucagon suppression during mid-gestation in the Insulin group was not associated with insulin secretory/sensitivity indexes studied, and was ameliorated postpartum, although the plasma glucose levels remained higher in the Insulin group versus the Diet group.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired early-phase suppression of glucagon could be associated with the requirement for insulin treatment during pregnancy in patients with GDM.

Gestational diabetes mellitus

Hyperglycaemia that develops during pregnancy and resolves after birth has been recognized for over 50 years, but uniform worldwide consensus is lacking about threshold hyperglycaemic levels that merit a diagnosis of 'gestational diabetes mellitus' (GDM) and thus treatment during pregnancy. GDM is currently the most common medical complication of pregnancy, and prevalence of undiagnosed hyperglycaemia and even overt diabetes in young women is increasing. Maternal overweight and obesity, later age at childbearing, previous history of GDM, family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and ethnicity are major GDM risk factors. Diagnosis is usually performed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), although a non-fasting, glucose challenge test (GCT) is used in some parts of the world to screen women for those requiring a full OGTT. Dietary modification and increased physical activity are the primary treatments for GDM, but pharmacotherapy, usually insulin, is used when normoglycaemia is not achieved. Oral hypoglycaemic agents, principally metformin and glibenclamide (glyburide), are also used in some countries. Treatment improves immediate pregnancy outcomes, reducing excess fetal growth and adiposity and pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders. GDM increases the risk of long-term complications, including obesity, impaired glucose metabolism and cardiovascular disease, in both the mother and infant. Optimal management of mother and infant during long-term follow-up remains challenging, with very limited implementation of preventive strategies in most parts of the world.

Background Factors Determining the Introduction and Dosage of Insulin in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a risk for perinatal complication, and appropriate diagnosis of and intervention in this condition are important. This study aimed to identify patient factors associated with introduction and dosage of insulin, which is the main drug for treatment of GDM.

Methods

In total, 114 patients who had been diagnosed with GDM at our hospital were included in this study. We retrospectively collected clinical parameters of GDM patients, including how many times positive glucose tolerance test results were obtained, whether insulin was introduced, dosage of insulin, body weight, and infant weight. Background factors differing between the insulin introduction and non-introduction groups of GDM patients and parameters associated with the insulin dosage were analyzed.

Results

Insulin was introduced in 51 GDM patients (45%). In the insulin introduction group, the six-divided diet was less common and the 75-g glucose tolerance test result was positive a significantly greater number of times compared with the non-introduction group. The factor associated with the insulin introduction status was the number of positive 75-g glucose tolerance test results (odds ratio (OR) 2.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09 - 3.81, P value = 0.025). In addition, the insulin dosage was found to positively correlate with body weight in the non-pregnant state (P value = 0.005).

Conclusions

The six-divided diet was effective for blood glucose control in GDM women. A positive correlation found between the insulin dosage and body weight in the non-pregnant state suggests the importance of proper pre-pregnancy body weight control.

Predictors of Insulin Treatment During Pregnancy and Abnormal Postpartum Glucose Metabolism in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

To investigate the potential predictors of insulin treatment during pregnancy and abnormal postpartum glucose metabolism in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

A total of 534 patients with GDM, who were diagnosed based on 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during pregnancy, were divided into the diet group (n=354) and insulin group (n=180) according to the treatment of hyperglycemia in pregnancy. Based on 75 g OGTT after delivery, 178 of the 534 patients were divided into the normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n=104) and the abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT; n=74) groups. Characteristics and metabolic indicators were compared. Logistic regression analysis was developed to assess the potential predictors of insulin treatment and abnormal postpartum glucose metabolism. Receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to determine the cut-off values.

RESULTS

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 1 h plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at GDM diagnosis were higher in the insulin group compared with the diet group (P <0.05). FPG, 1 h plasma glucose, HbA1c, maternal age, pre-gestational weight and maximum weight, pre-gestational body mass index, maternal birth weight, family history of diabetes in first-degree relatives, acanthosis nigricans, and prenatal weight were risk factors for insulin treatment (P <0.05), and the cut-offs of FPG, 1 h plasma glucose and HbA1c were 5.7 mmol/L, 11.4 mmol/L and 5.3%. Simultaneously, FPG at GDM diagnosis, insulin treatment during pregnancy, maternal age, family history of diabetes in first-degree relatives, acanthosis nigricans, and prenatal weight were risk factors of abnormal postpartum glucose metabolism (P <0.05), and the cut-off of FPG was 5.7 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FPG >5.7 mmol/L, 1 h plasma glucose >11.4 mmol/L, or HbA1c >5.3% at GDM diagnosis required insulin treatment, and patients with FPG >5.7 mmol/L had a greater risk of abnormal postpartum glucose metabolism. FPG at GDM diagnosis was the most important predictor.

Lower serum total bilirubin concentration is associated with higher prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Japanese pregnant women

We aimed to clarify the pathophysiological significance of total bilirubin (TB) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This was a cross-sectional study that included 616 pregnant Japanese women (368 normal glucose tolerance [NGT] and 248 GDM). Serum TB concentration, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and other clinical parameters were compared in NGT and GDM women. TB concentration was also compared according to the number of abnormal OGTT values. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between TB and GDM prevalence. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between TB and HOMA-IR. TB concentrations were significantly lower in GDM women than in NGT women. This result did not change after adjustments for TB sampling timing were made. Out of 248 GDM women, the prevalences of 1- and 2/3- abnormal OGTT values (1- and 2/3-AV) GDM were 72.2% (n = 179) and 27.8% (n = 69), respectively. In the multiple comparisons, TB concentrations were significantly lower in women with 2/3-AV GDM than in women with NGT and 1-AV GDM. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TB was a significantly associated factor for 2/3-AV, but not for total GDM. HOMA-IR was significantly higher in GDM women than in NGT women. The univariate, but not multivariate, analysis showed that TB was a significantly associated factor for HOMA-IR. Our findings suggest that hypobilirubinemia may be involved in the pathogenesis of GDM.

Relationship between the IADPSG-criteria-defined abnormal glucose values and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women having gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study

To explore the influence of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on pregnancy outcomes and to determine the risk factors for adverse outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).This retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who had GDM and were treated between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. The diagnostic criteria for GDM were proposed by the International Diabetes and Pregnancy Research Organization (IADPSG) in 2010. Women with GDM were stratified according to the number of abnormal OGTT values or the presence/absence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal characteristics, OGTT values, pregnancy outcomes, and the relationship between the latter 2 were analyzed.In total, 3221 pregnant women with GDM were included. The incidence of adverse outcomes was affected by maternal age (28-37 years, in particular; odds ratio [OR], 1.403; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.037-1.899; P = .028), days of pregnancy (OR, 0.904; 95% CI, 0.894-0.914; P < .001), gestational weight gain (OR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.000-1.036;, P = .048), and age of menarche (OR, 0.925; 95% CI, 0.863-0.992; P = .029). Both fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h OGTT were positively correlated with adverse outcomes, of which FPG was more predictive (FPG: OR, 1.143; 95% CI, 1.007-1.297; P = .038; 2-h OGTT: OR, 1.074; 95% CI, 1.018-1.133; P = .009). Meanwhile, higher abnormal OGTT values were associated with significantly increased risks of antenatal insulin treatment, cesarean delivery, premature delivery, gestational hypertension, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, macrosomia, neonatal asphyxia, and full term low weight infants.OGTT values and the number of abnormal glucose are associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes. Stratified management is recommended for pregnant women with GDM, especially those with fasting hyperglycemia and/or 3 abnormal OGTT values.

Early diabetes screening in women with previous gestational diabetes: a new insight

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there is a low return rate for this screening, so it is important to search for earlier methods for evaluation after delivery, to increase the number of pregnant women screened, so you can start the treatment or prevention of these early comorbidities. To determine the accuracy of the 75 g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed between 48-72 h after delivery for the diagnosis of DM using the OGTT after 6 weeks as the gold standard criterion, and to identify the optimal cutoff points for this exam for diabetes screening after a pregnancy complicated by GDM.

METHODS

82 women with previous GDM underwent an OGTT between 48-72 h postpartum and repeated the test 6 weeks after delivery.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DM and prediabetes based on the first OGTT was 3.7 and 32.9 %, respectively, and 8.5 and 20.7 %, respectively, at the second OGTT. For those with DM, the area under the curve (AUC) based on the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was 0.77 (95 % CI 0.61-0.92), and based on 2-h OGTT was 0.82 (95 % CI 0.66-0.97). For patients with prediabetes, the AUC based on the FPG was 0.73 (95 % CI 0.59-0.86) and based on the 2-h OGTT was 0.74 (95 % CI 0.61-0.87). Using a FPG cutoff value of 78 mg/dl (4.3 mmol/L) and a 2-h OGTT cutoff value of 130 mg/dl (7.2 mmol/L) for DM, the specificity was 58.7 and 60 %, the sensitivity was 71.4 and 85.7 %, the positive predictive value was 13.9 and 16.7 and the negative predictive value was 95.7 and 97.9 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

OGTT performed early in postpartum is a useful tool for identifying women with previous GDM who must perform an OGTT 6 weeks after delivery.

Risk Factors for the Requirement of Antenatal Insulin Treatment in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Poor maternal glycemic control increases maternal and fetal risk for adverse outcomes, and strict management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is recommended to prevent neonatal and maternal complications. However, risk factors for the requirement of antenatal insulin treatment (AIT) are not well-investigated in the pregnant women with GDM. We enrolled 37 pregnant women with GDM and investigated the risk for AIT by comparing the patients with AIT (AIT group; n = 10) and without insulin therapy (Diet group; n = 27). The 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels and the number of abnormal values in 75 g OGTT were significantly higher in AIT group compared with Diet group. By logistic regression analysis, plasma glucose level at 1-h was significant predictor for AIT and the odds ratios were 1.115 (1.004-1.239) using forward selection method and 1.192 (1.006-1.413) using backward elimination method. There were no significant differences in obstetrical outcomes and neonatal complications. 1-h plasma glucose levels in 75 g OGTT are useful parameters in predicting the requirement for AIT in GDM. Both maternal and neonatal complications are comparable in GDM patients with and without insulin therapy.

Indicators of the need for insulin treatment and the effect of treatment for gestational diabetes on pregnancy outcomes in Japan

This study assessed indicators of the need for insulin therapy and the effect of treatment on pregnancy outcomes in Japanese patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). All patients diagnosed with GDM were hospitalized for three days. Plasma glucose profiles in patients under strict dietary management and the characteristics of GDM patients with high daily glucose levels were investigated. Patients who failed to achieve glycemic targets were treated with insulin. Indicators of the need for insulin treatment were investigated. Pregnancy outcomes in patients prescribed dietary management and patients prescribed insulin treatment were compared. The study included 112 patients with GDM. GDM patients with high daily glucose levels in the hospital exhibited significantly higher 1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels in oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) at diagnosis. In our hospital, 102 GDM patients with singleton pregnancies were followed until delivery; 32 (31.3%) were treated with insulin. Univariate analysis identified significant associations of insulin requirement with family history of diabetes and with 1-h and 2-h OGTT values at diagnosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the 1-h OGTT plasma glucose level at diagnosis was an independent predictor of the need for insulin. In perinatal outcomes, insulin treatment was associated with low birth weight.

Efficacy of nutrition therapy for glucose intolerance in Japanese women diagnosed with gestational diabetes based on IADPSG criteria during early gestation

AIMS

Among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the aggravation of glucose intolerance during gestation differs substantially. We retrospectively investigated whether the glucose intolerance of women diagnosed with GDM during early gestation (i.e., early-onset GDM) improved in the mid-gestation under appropriate nutrition therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of glucose tolerance derived from 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 41 Japanese women with early-onset GDM defined by International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria during early gestation (<20 weeks). Glucose tolerance was also evaluated in mid-gestation (24-32 weeks) and postpartum. Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and β-cell function were assessed at each period.

RESULTS

The glucose tolerance in 18 of the 41 early-onset GDM patients normalized during mid-gestation with appropriate nutrition therapy, defined as GDM→NGT. These women did not require insulin therapy during their pregnancies, whereas 39.1% of women who retained GDM in mid-gestation (defined as GDM→GDM) required insulin therapy. The frequency of the postpartum development of type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance was significantly lower (5.6% vs. 39.1% in GDM→NGT vs. GDM→GDM, p=0.03). Primiparity was determined as a predictive factor whether or not glucose intolerance was improved by nutrition therapy, but results of plasma glucose levels from OGTT at early gestation were not, in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate nutrition therapy for women with early-onset GDM seemed effective to improve glucose tolerance during pregnancy. OGTT retesting during their mid-gestation seemed effective for predicting the appropriate treatment after the second trimester.