(12) Management of diabetes in pregnancy

The association of inflammatory markers in early pregnancy with the development of gestational diabetes: Qazvin maternal and neonatal metabolic study (QMNS)

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the association of blood cell components and blood cell-derived inflammatory indices in early pregnancy with the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

This research is part of the Qazvin maternal and neonatal metabolic study (QMNMS) conducted in Iran from 2018 to 2021. Pregnant women with gestational age ≤ 14 weeks were enrolled in the study. The association of blood cells and inflammatory indices, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), and aggregate systemic inflammatory response index (AISI), in early pregnancy with subsequent GDM development was examined using multivariate logistic regression. This analysis was adjusted for age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), weight gain, and GDM history in previous pregnancies (Model 1), as well as for these factors in addition to the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (Model 2). The correlation of blood cells and inflammatory indices with insulin resistance was assessed through Spearman partial correlation, adjusted for the same risk factors.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 612 participants, among whom GDM developed in 96 participants (15.7%). Neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts showed significant correlations with HOMA-IR (r = 0.14, r = 0.22, and r = 0.17, respectively; P < 0.01 for all). In univariate analysis, the highest quartile of neutrophil count was associated with a 5.9 times higher risk of GDM development (95% CI 2.6-13.2, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, neutrophil count quartiles remained significant predictors of GDM development, with relative risks of 3.7, 4.4, and 8.2 for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th neutrophil quartiles compared to the 1st quartile (P < 0.001). While platelet count was initially associated with GDM development (RR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-5.1, P = 0.028), this association was no longer significant after adjusting for HOMA-IR. Neither lymphocyte nor monocyte counts were linked to GDM development. Additionally, inflammatory indices, such as NLR, SIRI, SII, and AISI, did not provide additional predictive value for GDM development.

CONCLUSION

Neutrophil count is an independent predictor of GDM development, and its role in GDM development is not influenced by early pregnancy insulin resistance. Moreover, novel inflammatory indices offer no additional predictive benefit for GDM.

Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Review of Clinical Guidelines and Practices

This literature review assesses clinical guidelines for pre-existing diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the areas of diagnosis, management, and maternal-fetal outcomes. A structured search was conducted across PubMed and Google Scholar, supplemented by targeted screening of guideline repositories from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and World Health Organization (WHO). Included studies and guidelines were selected based on relevance to diagnosis, therapeutic strategies, or maternal-neonatal outcomes, with exclusion criteria applied to non-English publications and non-clinical recommendations. A comparative analysis of guidelines from the ADA, NICE, and WHO was performed to evaluate prevalence, therapeutic approaches, and postpartum management. Early diagnosis, stringent blood glucose control, and multidisciplinary care with the aim to avoid macrosomia, congenital abnormalities, and neonatal hypoglycemia guide the management guidelines. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (<6.5%) optimization and supplementation with folic acid are critically required prior to conception in all women with previously diagnosed diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump therapy are valued but burdened by availability and access constraints. A postpartum visit with 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 4-12 weeks is essential for the detection of persistent diabetes. Variation of diagnostic criteria among guidelines reflects the requirement for standardization. Expansion of coverage by insurance for CGM and preconception care is important for providing equal access. The cost-effectiveness of new technologies and health disparities in low-resource settings must be addressed in future research.

Mediating effects of hypertension in association between household wealth disparities and diabetes among women of reproductive age: analysis of eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Diabetes prevalence appears to be increasing in low- and middle-income countries, yet little is known about how hypertension status mediates the association between household wealth and diabetes. This study examined the mediation effects of hypertension in associations between household wealth and diabetes in eight sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 71 577 women from recent Demographic and Health Surveys for eight SSA countries. Sample-weighted logistic regression and causal mediation analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 71 577 women, 1.1% (782) reported ever being diagnosed with diabetes. Women with diabetes were more likely to have hypertension compared with those without diabetes (54.9% vs 9.9%). The odds of diabetes were significantly higher among women with hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.71 [95% confidence interval {CI} 4.62 to 7.05]) and women from rich households (adjusted OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.23 to 2.22]) compared with their respective counterparts. Hypertension status mediated 27.4% of the association between household wealth and diabetes status.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension status partly contributes to the associations between household wealth disparities and diabetes status among women in the selected countries. Further research and targeted interventions are needed to explore specific mechanisms and confounding factors related to household wealth disparities, hypertension status and diabetes prevalence in this population.

Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment Approach of Diabetic Retinopathy during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and gestational diabetes are major concerns worldwide. These conditions may lead to the development of severe diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy or worsen pre-existing cases. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes for both the mother and the fetus in the future. Understanding the prevalence, evaluating risk factors contributing to pathogenesis, and identifying treatment challenges related to diabetic retinopathy in expectant mothers are all of utmost importance. Pregnancy-related physiological changes, including those in metabolism, blood flow, immunity, and hormones, can contribute to the development or worsening of diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, this condition may eventually result in irreversible vision loss. Treatment options such as laser therapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and intravitreal steroids pose challenges in managing these patients without endangering the developing baby and mother. This narrative review describes the management of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy, highlights its risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnostic methods, and offers recommendations based on findings from previous literature.

[Diabetic retinopathy and pregnancy]

This article reviews the critical issue of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (DM), and describes the current understanding of the features of DM progression during pregnancy, as well as its pathogenic mechanisms, risk factors, and preventive measures for manifestation and progression of DR during gestation.

Differences in neonatal adverse outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus managed by diet or medication: a propensity score matched analysis of a population-based sample

OBJECTIVE

Neonatal outcomes in women with and without medically managed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were compared after accounting for differences in maternal baseline characteristics using a propensity score (PS) analysis.

METHODS

Women without preexisting diabetes, delivering singletons during 2010-2017 in a large hospital, were eligible for inclusion. Using nearest-neighbour PS matching, women with non-pharmacological managed GDM were matched with women whose GDM was medically managed. A conditional logistic regression consequently compared the neonatal adverse outcomes between the groups after adjusting for gestational age, induction of labor, birth type, and number of ultrasounds conducted during the pregnancy.

RESULTS

Of the overall 10028 births, GDM was diagnosed in 930 (9.3%), of whom 710 (76.3%) were successfully matched. The conditional regressions found higher risk of neonatal adverse outcomes in neonates of women with non-pharmacological managed GDM compared to neonates of women with medically managed GDM. These included a higher risk of hypoglycemia (odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-2.38, p = 0.037), hypothermia (OR 2.29, 95%CI 1.05-5.00, p = 0.037), and birth injuries (OR 3.50, 95%CI 1.62-7.58, p = 0.001), and a higher risk of being small for gestational age (OR 2.06, 95%CI 1.01-4.18, p = 0.046) and being admitted to a special care unit (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.29-3.21, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The increased neonatal morbidity associated with non-medicated GDM identified in our study may indicate that diet and lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient to achieve glycaemic control in some women with GDM. Our findings indicate that gestational diabetes management approach is independently associated with neonatal outcomes.

The yield of early-pregnancy homeostasis of model assessment -insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) for predicting gestational diabetes mellitus in different body mass index and age groups

BACKGROUND

Early prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) can be beneficial for lifestyle modifications to prevent GDM. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive values of Homeostasis of Model Assessment -Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in early pregnancy to predict GDM development in different body mass index (BMI) and age risk categories.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is part of the Qazvin Maternal and Neonatal Metabolic Study (QMNMS) in Iran (2018-2021). In this prospective longitudinal study, pregnant women with a gestational age ≤ 14 weeks were enrolled in the study using convenience sampling method and were followed up until delivery to investigate risk factors for maternal and neonatal complications. Data collection was done using questionnaires. Serum sampling was done at a gestational age ≤ 14 weeks and sera were frozen until the end of study. GDM was diagnosed at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy using 75gr oral glucose tolerance test. Fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured in sera taken during early pregnancy in 583 participants. The Mann-Whitney U test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test were used for comparing variables between groups. The logistic regression analysis was used to examine the independent association of HOMA-IR with GDM development and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used for finding the best cut-off of HOMA-IR for predicting GDM.

RESULTS

GDM was developed in 90 (15.4%) of the participants. The third HOMA-IR tertile was independently associated with 3.2 times higher GDM occurrence (95% CI:1.6-6.2, P = 0.001). Despite the high prevalence of GDM in advanced maternal age (GDM rate = 28.4%), HOMA-IR had no association with GDM occurrence in this high-risk group. In both normal BMI and overweight/obese groups, HOMA-IR was a moderate predictor of GDM development (AUC = 0.638, P = 0.005 and AUC = 0.622, P = 0.008, respectively). However, the best cut-off for predicting GDM was 2.06 (sensitivity 67.5%, specificity 61.1%) in normal BMI and 3.13 (sensitivity 64.6%, specificity61.8%) in overweight/obese BMI.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed the necessity of considering the BMI and age risk groups when using the HOMA-IR index to predict GDM. Using lower cut-offs is more accurate for women with a normal BMI. In the advanced maternal age, there is no yield of HOMA-IR for predicting GDM.

Type 1 and other types of diabetes mellitus in the perioperative period. What the anaesthetist should know

Diabetes mellitus is often treated as a uniform disease in the perioperative period. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly encountered, and only a minority of surgical patients have been diagnosed with another type of diabetes. Patients with a specific type of diabetes can be particularly prone to perioperative glycaemic dysregulation. In addition, certain type-related features and pitfalls should be taken into account in the operating theatre. In this narrative review, we discuss characteristics of types of diabetes other than type 2 diabetes relevant to the anaesthetist, based on available literature and data from our clinic.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Quality metric on the rate of postpartum diabetes screening after pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus

As many as 1 in 3 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus have impaired glucose metabolism when screened postpartum. These patients have a 40% to 70% lifetime risk of progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus, but progression can be delayed or prevented by lifestyle interventions or medication. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Diabetes Association recommend a glucose tolerance test at 4 to 12 weeks postpartum for all patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Despite these recommendations, postpartum screening rates are typically <50%, representing a major healthcare "quality gap." The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine proposes a uniform metric that identifies the percentage of persons with gestational diabetes mellitus who completed a 75-g, 2-hour glucose tolerance test within 12 weeks after delivery. The metric is designed to be measured using diagnosis and procedure codes in payor claims data. Barriers to screening are discussed. Possible uses of the metric for quality improvement projects are outlined. Increasing the rate of postpartum diabetes screening should facilitate timely referral to implement lifestyle modifications, medication, and long-term follow-up. Use of the metric in financial incentive programs is discouraged at this time.

Quality Appraisal of Nutritional Guidelines to Prevent, Diagnose, and Treat Malnutrition in All Its Forms during Pregnancy

This work aimed to identify clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that include recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of women’s malnutrition during pregnancy and to evaluate the quality of these guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. We conducted a literature review using PubMed and different websites from January 2009 to February 2021. The quality of the CPGs was independently assessed by reviewers using the AGREE II instrument, which defines guidelines scoring >70% in the overall assessment as “high quality”. The analysis included 43 guidelines. Among the main findings, we identified that only half of the CPGs (51.1%) obtained a final “high quality” evaluation. AGREE II results varied widely across domains and categories. The two domains that obtained the highest scores were scope and purpose with 88.3% (range 39 to 100%) and clarity of presentation with 87.2% (range 25 to 100%). Among the “high quality” CPGs, the best scores were achieved by the three guidelines published by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to the importance of maternal nutrition in pregnancy, it is essential to join forces to improve the quality of the guidelines, especially in CPGs that do not meet the reference standards for quality.

Lifestyle intervention during pregnancy in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a severe adverse consequence of infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which can lead to neonatal mortality, permanent neurological consequences, and epilepsy. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to explore the effect of lifestyle intervention during pregnancy in women with GDM on the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched by 1st April 2022. Data were pooled as the risk ratio (RR) with 95% CIs of neonatal hypoglycemia. Random-effects, subgroup analyses, meta-regression analysis, and leave-one-out analysis were conducted, involving 18 RCTs.

Results

Prenatal lifestyle intervention could significantly reduce the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.98, P = 0.037). Subgroup analysis further demonstrated that the reduced risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was observed only when subjects were younger than 30 years, initiated before the third trimester, and with dietary intervention. Meta-regression analysis revealed that the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia post lifestyle intervention was lower in mothers with lower fasting glucose levels at trial entry.

Conclusion

We found that prenatal lifestyle intervention in women with GDM significantly reduced the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. Only lifestyle intervention before the third trimester of pregnancy, or dietary intervention only could effectively reduce the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. Future studies are required to explore the best pattern of lifestyle intervention and to determine the proper diagnostic criteria of GDM in the first/second trimester of pregnancy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021272985.

Previously unrecognized risk factors for severe hypoglycaemia requiring emergency medical care in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: Results from a real-world nested case-control study

AIM

Several risk factors for severe hypoglycaemia (SH) are associated with insulin-treated diabetes. This study explored potential risk factors in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control study, adults with T2DM initiating insulin were identified in the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database. The index date was the date of the first SH event (cases). Using incidence-density sampling, controls were selected from those who had been exposed 'at risk' of SH for the same amount of time as each case. After exact-matching on the well-established factors, previously unreported risk factors were evaluated through conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

In 3153 case-control pairs, pregnancy [odds ratios (OR) = 3.20, p = .0003], alcohol abuse (OR = 2.43, p < .0001), short-/rapid-acting insulin (OR = 2.22/1.47, p < .0001), cancer (OR = 1.87, p < .0001), dementia/Alzheimer's disease (OR = 1.73, p = .0175), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 1.59, p < .0001), antipsychotics (OR = 1.59; p = .0059), anxiolytics (OR = 1.51, p = .0012), paralysis/hemiplegia/paraplegia (OR = 1.51, p = .0416), hepatitis (OR = 1.50, p = .0303), congestive heart failure (OR = 1.47, p = .0002), adrenergic-corticosteroid combinations (OR = 1.45, p = .0165), β-adrenoceptor agonists (OR = 1.40, p = .0225), opioids (OR = 1.38, p < .0001), corticosteroids (OR = 1.35, p = .0159), cardiac arrhythmia (OR = 1.29. p = .0065), smoking (OR = 1.28, p = .005), Charlson Comorbidity Index score 2 (OR = 1.28, p = .0026), 3 (OR = 1.41, p = .0016) or ≥4 (OR = 1.57, p = .0002), liver/gallbladder/pancreatic disease (OR = 1.26, p = .0182) and hypertension (OR = 1.19, p = .0164) were independently associated with SH.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all people with insulin-treated diabetes are at risk of SH, these results have identified some previously unrecognized risk factors and sub-groups of insulin-treated adults with T2DM at greater risk. Scrutiny of current therapies and comorbidities are advised as well as additional glucose monitoring and education, when identifying and managing SH in vulnerable populations.

Association of social jetlag with gestational diabetes: Qazvin Maternal and Neonatal Metabolic Study

The association of social jetlag (SJL), as a quantitative measure of circadian misalignment, with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome has been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the association of SJL with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Pregnant women with gestational age ≤14 weeks were enrolled in this longitudinal study. The participants with pre-GDM, shift workers and those who used alarms for waking up on free days were excluded from the study. SJL as well as behavioral and psychological parameters were evaluated at enrollment. The participants were categorized based on each 1-h increment of SJL. The association of SJL with the occurrence of GDM in the late second trimester was evaluated using univariate and multivariate methods. In total, 821 pregnant women entered the study, and after omitting individuals with excluding criteria, analyses were performed on 557 participants. The frequencies of SJL < 1 h,1 ≤ SJL < 2 h and SJL ≥ 2 h were 44.7%, 37.2% and 18.1%, respectively. Average sleep duration was higher in SJL < 1 h compared with the two other groups (p < 0.001). During follow-up, 90 (16.1%) women with GDM were identified. SJL ≥ 2 h was associated with a 4.4-5.6 times higher risk of GDM in different models of adjustment (p < 0.05). Pregnant women with high SJL are at a higher risk of GDM. Further studies for evaluating the mechanisms by which SJL affects GDM are warranted.

Digital health interventions for gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Good blood glucose control is important to reduce the risk of adverse effects on mothers and their offspring in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). This review examined the impact of using digital health interventions on reported glycaemic control among pregnant women with GDM and its impact on maternal and foetal outcomes. Seven databases were searched from database inception to October 31st, 2021 for randomised controlled trials that examined digital health interventions to provide services remotely for women with GDM. Two authors independently screened and assessed the studies for eligibility for inclusion. Risk of bias was independently assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Studies were pooled using random effects model and presented as risk ratio or mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE framework. Twenty-eight randomised controlled trials that examined digital health interventions in 3,228 pregnant women with GDM were included. Moderate certainty of evidence showed that digital health interventions improved glycaemic control among pregnant women, with lower fasting plasma glucose (mean difference -0.33 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.07), 2-hour post-prandial glucose (-0.49 mmol/L; -0.83 to -0.15) and HbA1c (-0.36%; -0.65 to -0.07). Among those randomised to digital health interventions, there was a lower need for caesarean delivery (Relative risk: 0.81; 0.69 to 0.95; high certainty) and foetal macrosomia (0.67; 0.48 to 0.95; high certainty). Other maternal and foetal outcomes were not significantly different between both groups. Moderate to high certainty evidence support the use of digital health interventions, as these appear to improve glycaemic control and reduce the need for caesarean delivery. However, more robust evidence is needed before it can be offered as a choice to supplement or replace clinic follow up. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42016043009.

The Clinical Values of Afamin, Triglyceride and PLR in Predicting Risk of Gestational Diabetes During Early Pregnancy

Objective

To establish a model to predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on the clinical characteristics, early pregnancy (10-12 weeks gestation) peripheral blood routine, and biochemical indicators, and to explore its predictive efficiencies.

Methods

Data from 607 pregnant women with GDM were compared to the data from 833 pregnant women without GDM admitted to the Obstetrics Department of Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (affiliated to Fujian Medical University) from May 2018 to December 2018 were retrospectively included. The ages of the pregnant women, paternal ages, number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, pre-pregnancy heights/weights, and the calculated body mass indexes (BMI) were recorded. In all participants, 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, afamin concentration, routine blood work, prenatal aneuploidy screening, and biochemical testing were performed. At weeks 24-28 of gestation, patients underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for GDM screening.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age, early pregnancy afamin level, triglycerides, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent risk factors for gestational diabetes. The formula for predicting GDM probability was as follows: P = 1/1 + exp( - 6.054 + 0.774 × triglycerides + 0.002 × afamin + 0.155 × age - 0.012 × PLR)]. From the established ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.748, indicating that the model has a good degree of discrimination. When the predictive probability cut-off value was set on 0.358, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 69.2%, 68.3%, 42.5%, and 86.2%, respectively, and the accuracy rate was 70.2%. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results showed that the goodness of the model fit has a good calibration ability (χ2 = 12.269, df=8, P=0.140).

Conclusions

Maternal age, early pregnancy afamin level, triglycerides, and PLR are independent risk factors for gestational diabetes. When combined, the above indicators are helpful for prediction, early diagnosis, and intervention of gestational diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema pathways and management: UK Consensus Working Group

The management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has evolved considerably over the past decade, with the availability of new technologies (diagnostic and therapeutic). As such, the existing Royal College of Ophthalmologists DR Guidelines (2013) are outdated, and to the best of our knowledge are not under revision at present. Furthermore, there are no other UK guidelines covering all available treatments, and there seems to be significant variation around the UK in the management of diabetic macular oedema (DMO). This manuscript provides a summary of reviews the pathogenesis of DR and DMO, including role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-VEGF cytokines, clinical grading/classification of DMO vis a vis current terminology (of centre-involving [CI-DMO], or non-centre involving [nCI-DMO], systemic risks and their management). The excellent UK DR Screening (DRS) service has continued to evolve and remains world-leading. However, challenges remain, as there are significant variations in equipment used, and reproducible standards of DMO screening nationally. The interphase between DRS and the hospital eye service can only be strengthened with further improvements. The role of modern technology including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide-field imaging, and working practices including virtual clinics and their potential in increasing clinic capacity and improving patient experiences and outcomes are discussed. Similarly, potential roles of home monitoring in diabetic eyes in the future are explored. The role of pharmacological (intravitreal injections [IVT] of anti-VEGFs and steroids) and laser therapies are summarised. Generally, IVT anti-VEGF are offered as first line pharmacologic therapy. As requirements of diabetic patients in particular patient groups may vary, including pregnant women, children, and persons with learning difficulties, it is important that DR management is personalised in such particular patient groups. First choice therapy needs to be individualised in these cases and may be intravitreal steroids rather than the standard choice of anti-VEGF agents. Some of these, but not all, are discussed in this document.

Decreased serum human leukocyte antigen-G levels are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus

AIM

This study was designed to determine serum human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) levels and establish whether serum HLA-G level is related with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

Twenty-five GDM patients aged between 24 and 34 years and 24 healthy pregnant women aged between 22 and 33 years were included in this study. Health status of subjects was determined by medical history, physical, and obstetric examinations. Absence of family history for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, absence of diagnosis or clinical evidence of any major disease, and absence of medication use altering glucose metabolism constituted the inclusion criteria. GDM cases who are at their 24-28 weeks of pregnancy and who have not been using any oral hypoglycemic agents were included in GDM group. Control group consisted of healthy pregnant women at their 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.

RESULTS

Women with GDM had significantly lower levels of serum HLA-G than controls. HLA-G levels were negatively correlated with all parameters of glucose metabolism including insulin (r = - 0.14; p = 0.338), fasting blood glucose (r = - 0.220; p = 0.129), 1-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) blood glucose (r = - 0.18; p = 0.271), 2-h OGTT blood glucose (r = - 0.314; p = 0.172), homeostasis model assessment (r = - 0.226; p = 0.119), HbA1C (r = -0.342; p = 0.108), and WBC (r = -0.149; p = 0.307). There was a negative correlation between HLA-G and BMI (r = -0.341; p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Decreased circulating HLA-G level is found to be associated with insulin resistance and GDM, in this study.

Distinct Metabolomic Profile Because of Gestational Diabetes and its Treatment Mode in Women with Overweight and Obesity

OBJECTIVE

Whether the presence of gestational diabetes (GDM) and its treatment mode influence the serum metabolic profile in women with overweight or obesity was studied.

METHODS

The serum metabolic profiles of 352 women with overweight or obesity participating in a mother-infant clinical study were analyzed with a targeted NMR approach (at 35.1 median gestational weeks). GDM was diagnosed with a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

The metabolomic profile of the women with GDM (n = 100) deviated from that of women without GDM (n = 252). Differences were seen in 70 lipid variables, particularly higher concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein particles and serum triglycerides were related to GDM. Furthermore, levels of branched-chain amino acids and glycoprotein acetylation, a marker of low-grade inflammation, were higher in women with GDM. Compared with women with GDM treated with diet only, the women treated with medication (n = 19) had higher concentrations of severalizes of VLDL particles and their components, leucine, and isoleucine, as well as glycoprotein acetylation.

CONCLUSIONS

A clearly distinct metabolic profile was detected in GDM, which deviated even more if the patient was receiving medical treatment. This suggests a need for more intense follow-up and therapy for women with GDM during pregnancy and postpartum to reduce their long-term adverse health risks.

Longitudinal Changes in the Relationship Between Hemoglobin A1c and Glucose Tolerance Across Pregnancy and Postpartum

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and glucose tolerance across pregnancy and postpartum.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS

In a longitudinal study of pregnant women with gestational diabetes risk factors (N = 102), we performed oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and HbA1c measurements at 10-15 weeks of gestation, 24-30 weeks of gestation (N = 73), and 6-24 weeks postpartum (N = 42). Complete blood counts were obtained from clinical records. We calculated HbA1c-estimated average glucose levels and compared them with mean OGTT glucose levels (average of fasting, 1- and 2-hour glucose levels). Linear mixed effects models were used to test for longitudinal changes in measurements.

RESULTS

Mean OGTT glucose increased between 10-15 and 24-30 weeks of gestation (β = 8.1 mg/dL, P = .001), while HbA1c decreased during the same time period (β = -0.13%, P < .001). At 10-15 weeks of gestation and postpartum the discrepancy between mean OGTT glucose and HbA1c-estimated average glucose was minimal (mean [standard deviation]: 1.2 [20.5] mg/dL and 0.16 [18.1] mg/dL). At 24-30 weeks of gestation, the discrepancy widened (13.2 [17.9] mg/dL, β = 12.7 mg/dL, P < .001, compared to 10-15 weeks of gestation, with mean OGTT glucose being higher than HbA1c-estimated average glucose). Lower hemoglobin at 24-30 weeks of gestation was associated with a greater discrepancy (β = 6.4 mg/dL per 1 g/dL lower hemoglobin, P = .03 in an age- and gestational age-adjusted linear regression model).

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c accurately reflects glycemia in the 1st trimester, but underestimates glucose intolerance in the late 2nd trimester. Lower hemoglobin level is associated with greater underestimation. Accounting for gestational age and maternal hemoglobin may improve the clinical interpretation of HbA1c levels during pregnancy.

Dietary Patterns and Dietary Adaptations in Women with and without Gestational Diabetes: Evidence from the Growing Up in New Zealand Study

Diet is a cornerstone of the management of gestational diabetes (GDM). We investigated differences in dietary patterns and dietary adaptations among pregnant women with and without GDM participating in the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Presence of GDM was determined using coded clinical data and plasma glucose results meeting the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes diagnostic criteria. Women answered a food frequency questionnaire and questions regarding dietary changes and information received during pregnancy. Women with GDM had lower adherence scores than those without GDM for 'Junk' (mean (SD) score -0.28 (0.95) versus 0.02 (1.01) p < 0.0005) and 'Traditional/White bread' dietary patterns (-0.18 (0.93) versus 0.01 (1.01) p = 0.002). More women with GDM reported avoiding foods high in fat or sugar (25.3% versus 5.7%, p < 0.05) compared to women without GDM. A greater proportion of women with GDM compared with those without GDM received information from dietitians or nutritionists (27.0% versus 1.7%, p < 0.05) or obstetricians (12.6% versus 7.5%, p < 0.05). More women diagnosed before the antenatal interview received advice from dietitians or nutritionists compared with those diagnosed after (46.9% versus 6.0%, p < 0.05). Women with GDM appear to make positive changes to their diet in response to advice received from health care professionals.

The Effect of Prior Gestational Diabetes on the Shape of the Glucose Response Curve during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test 3 Years after Delivery

OBJECTIVE

Monophasic glucose response (MGR) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are predictors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We investigated the association between current MGR and (1) glucose tolerance during a pregnancy 3 years before and (2) current glucose tolerance status. We also sought (3) other determinants of MGR. Research Design and Methods. We conducted a nested case-control study of GDM (n = 47 early GDM, diagnosed between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation; n = 40 late GDM, diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation) and matched healthy controls (n = 37, normal glucose tolerance during pregnancy) all free from diabetes at follow-up 3.4 ± 0.6 years after delivery. Glucose tolerance was determined by 2-hour 75 g OGTT. Monophasic and biphasic groups were defined based on serum glucose measurements during OGTT.

RESULTS

The biphasic group was younger, had lower triglyceride levels and area under the OGTT glucose curve, and was less frequently diagnosed with early GDM (25 vs. 45%, all p < 0.05). Women with a biphasic response also tended to have lower systolic blood pressure (p < 0.1). No differences were found in fasting and 2-hour glucose and insulin levels, or BMI. According to multiple logistic regression, MGR was associated with prior early GDM (OR 2.14, 95% CI 0.92-4.99) and elevated triglyceride levels (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.03-5.03/log (mmol/l)).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that more severe, early-onset GDM was an independent predictor of monophasic glucose response suggesting that monophasic response may represent an intermediate state between GDM and manifest type 2 diabetes.

Guidelines for the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus: An integrative literature review

Aims and objectives

An integrative literature review searched for, selected, appraised, extracted and synthesized data from existing available guidelines on the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus as no such analysis has been found.

Background

Early screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus are important to prevent or reduce complications during and postpregnancy for both mother and child. A variety of guidelines exists, which assist nurses and midwives in the screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Methods

The review was conducted in June 2018 following an extensive search of available guidelines according to an adaptation of the stages reported by Whittemore and Knafl (2005, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 546). Thus, a five-step process was used, namely formulation of the review question, literature search, critical appraisal of guidelines identified, data extraction and data analysis. All relevant guidelines were subsequently appraised for rigour and quality by two independent reviewers using the AGREE II tool. Content analysis was used analysing the extracted data.

Results

Following extraction and analysis of data, two major themes were identified from eighteen (N = 18) guidelines. These were the need for early screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and for nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus (during pregnancy, intra- and postpartum management). Various guidelines on the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus were found; however, guidelines were not always comprehensive, sometimes differed in their recommended practices and did not consider a variety of contextual barriers to the implementation of the recommendations.

Conclusion

Critically, scrutiny of the guidelines is required, both in terms of the best evidence used in their development and in terms of the feasibility of implementation for its context.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides a summary of best practices regarding the diagnosis, screening and nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus that provide guidance for nurse-midwives on maternal and postpartum follow-up care for women at risk or diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Use of Antidiabetic drugs during pregnancy among U.S. women with Livebirth deliveries in the Mini-Sentinel system

BACKGROUND

As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases in the population, the exposure to antidiabetic drugs (ADDs) during pregnancies is expected to grow, as has been seen over the last decade. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ADD use during pregnancy among women in the Mini-Sentinel Distributed Database (MSDD) who delivered a liveborn infant.

METHODS

We identified qualifying livebirth pregnancies among women aged 10 to 54 years in the MSDD from 2001 to 2013. ADD use was estimated using outpatient pharmacy dispensing claims and days-supplied among three cohorts: all livebirth pregnancies, pregnancies among women with pre-existing diabetes, and pregnancies among women without prior ADD use.

RESULTS

Among the 1.9 million pregnancies in the MSDD that resulted in a livebirth from 2001 to 2013, 4.4% were exposed to an ADD. Of the 15,606 pregnancies (0.8%) with pre-existing diabetes, 92.8% were also exposed during the pregnancy period. The most commonly used product in these pregnancies was insulin (75.6% of pregnancies). In contrast, in pregnancies of women without prior ADD use, the most commonly used products were glyburide and insulin, and most of these users were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of ADD use during pregnancy described here, along with changes in disease incidence and management, highlight the importance of continuing surveillance of ADD utilization patterns and examining the safety and effectiveness of these products in pregnancy.

Follow-up at 1 year and beyond of women with gestational diabetes treated with insulin and/or oral glucose-lowering agents: a core outcome set using a Delphi survey

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked with a higher lifetime risk for the development of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, postpartum depression and tumours. Despite this, there is no consistency in the long-term follow-up of women with a previous diagnosis of GDM. Further, the outcomes selected and reported in the research involving this population are heterogeneous and lack standardisation. This amplifies the risk of reporting bias and diminishes the likelihood of significant comparisons between studies. The aim of this study is to develop a core outcome set (COS) for RCTs and other studies evaluating the long-term follow-up at 1 year and beyond of women with previous GDM treated with insulin and/oral glucose-lowering agents.

METHODS

The study consisted of three work packages: (1) a systematic review of the outcomes reported in previous RCTs of the follow-up at 1 year and beyond of women with GDM treated with insulin and/or oral glucose-lowering agents; (2) a three-round online Delphi survey with key stakeholders to prioritise these outcomes; and (3) a consensus meeting where the final COS was decided.

RESULTS

Of 3344 abstracts identified and evaluated, 62 papers were retrieved and 25/62 papers were included in this review. A total of 121 outcomes were identified and included in the Delphi survey. Delphi round 1 was emailed to 835 participants and 288 (34.5%) responded. In round 2, 190 of 288 (65.9%) participants responded and in round 3, 165 of 190 (86.8%) participants responded. In total, nine outcomes were selected and agreed for inclusion in the final COS: assessment of glycaemic status; diagnosis of type 2 diabetes since the index pregnancy; number of pregnancies since the index pregnancy; number of pregnancies with a diagnosis of GDM since the index pregnancy; diagnosis of prediabetes since the index pregnancy; BMI; post-pregnancy weight retention; resting blood pressure; and breastfeeding.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study identified a COS that will help bring consistency and uniformity to outcome selection and reporting in clinical trials and other studies involving the follow-up at 1 year and beyond of women diagnosed with GDM treated with insulin and/or oral glucose-lowering agents during pregnancy.

Association of the muscle/fat mass ratio with insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus

This study assessed the association of muscle mass with insulin resistance, evaluated from the insulin sensitivity index (ISI), in Japanese patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Consecutive patients with GDM (n = 96) admitted to St. Marianna University Hospital between October 2015 and March 2018 for initial education and glycemic control were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Insulin resistance was evaluated by measuring the ISI and body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The subjects were aged 34.4 ± 4.8 years (mean ± SD) and their body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy was 22.3 ± 4.0 kg/m². Fifty-three patients (55.2%) had a history of diabetes in first-degree relatives. The ISI was 7.2 ± 3.3, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was 17.0 ± 2.1 kg, and fat mass (FM) was 18.8 ± 8.2 kg. The ASM/FM ratio was 1.02 ± 0.34. There was a positive correlation between FM and ASM (r = 0.734, p < 0.001). To adjust for confounders when evaluating the association of ASM with ISI, multivariate analysis was conducted using age, family history of diabetes, and BMI as variables. In this analysis, the ASM/FM ratio showed a significant positive correlation with ISI (β = 0.303, p = 0.020). These findings suggest that inadequate ASM/FM ratio is important for the development of insulin resistance in Japanese patients with GDM. Excessive emphasis on dieting rather than health might increase the risk of GDM by reducing the muscle mass below the level that maintains normal glucose metabolism.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Glycemic Control Effect on Placental Vascularization in Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

AIMS

The aim of our study was to assess the effect of glycemic control on placental vascularization in pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to compare dataset of optimal/suboptimal glycemic control to normal placental 3-dimensional power Doppler (3-DPD) indices in 2^nd and 3^rd trimester.

METHODS

Placental vascularization of pregnant women was prospectively evaluated by 3-DPD ((vascularization-index (VI); flow-index (FI); vascularization-flow-index (VFI)) ultrasound technique. The normal pregnancies (n=214) were compared to those complicated by T1DM (n=53) with optimal (HbA1C≤6%;≤ 42 mmol/mol) and suboptimal (HbA1C>6%;>42 mmol/mol) glycemic control.

RESULTS

Pregnancies complicated by T1DM expressed lower placental vascularization indices as compared with normal pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for VI:0.86; FI:0.94; VFI:0.76). Placental 3-DPD indices have a significant correlation with HbA1C and optimal glycemic control is associated with lower placental perfusion (AOR for VI:1.64; FI:1.13; VFI:2.34). Short-term adverse neonatal outcome was predicted by lower 3-DPD indices (AOR_VI:0.83, AOR_FI:0.93, AOR_VFI:0.66, p<0.05 for each index). Besides the glycemic control, the pregestational body mass index (BMI), had significant influences on placental perfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

VI displayed the best screening ability for suboptimal glycemic control with a sensitivity of 90.9%. The suboptimal glycemic control has a direct deteriorating effect on placental vasculature. Therefore the ultrasound examination could be an adjunct diagnostic modality for pregnant women with T1DM.

Metabolic follow-up at one year and beyond of women with gestational diabetes treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic agents: study protocol for the identification of a core outcomes set using a Delphi survey

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with an increased lifetime risk for the development of glucose abnormalities, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, depression and tumours. Despite this high risk of additional comorbidities, there is no standardised approach to the long-term follow-up of women with a previous diagnosis of GDM. Also, there is no standardisation of outcome selection and reporting in studies involving this population. This increases the risk of reporting bias and reduces the possibility of meaningful comparisons between studies. The aim of this study is to develop a protocol for a core outcome set (COS) for the metabolic follow-up at 1 year and beyond of women with previous GDM treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic agents.

METHODS/DESIGN

This protocol will describe the steps that will be taken in order to develop the COS. The study will consist of three parts: (1) A systematic review of the literature of the outcomes reported in previous randomised controlled trials of the follow-up at 1 year and beyond of women with GDM treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic agents; (2) A three-round, online Delphi survey with key stakeholders in order to prioritise these outcomes; and (3) A consensus meeting where the final COS will be decided.

DISCUSSION

The proposed protocol is the first step in developing a COS that will bring consistency and uniformity to outcome selection and reporting in GDM women treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycaemic agents.

Postpregnancy BMI in the Progression From Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy to Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To study the extent to which BMI after pregnancy adds to the elevated risk of postpregnancy type 2 diabetes in women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (preeclampsia or gestational hypertension).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used data from the Nurses' Health Study II, a prospective cohort study. In women aged 45-54 years without prior gestational diabetes mellitus, we investigated the interaction between BMI and HDP history on the risk of type 2 diabetes. For clinical and public health relevance, we focused on additive interaction. The main outcome measure was the relative excess risk due to interaction calculated from multivariable Cox proportional hazards models using normal weight as the reference group.

RESULTS

In total, 6,563 (11.7%) of 56,159 participants had a history of HDP and 1,341 women developed type 2 diabetes during 436,333 person-years. BMI was a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes regardless of HDP history. However, there was evidence of an additive interaction between BMI and HDP for the risk of type 2 diabetes (P = 0.004). The attributable proportion of risk due to the interaction ranged from 0.12 (95% CI -0.22, 0.46) in women who were overweight to 0.36 (95% CI 0.13, 0.59) in women with obesity class I.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining a healthy weight may be of even greater importance in women with a history of HDP, compared with other women with a history of only normotensive pregnancies, to reduce midlife risk of type 2 diabetes.

Prevalence of Hypoglycaemia among Insulin-Treated Pregnant Women with Diabetes Who Achieved Tight Glycaemic Control

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of hypoglycaemia using continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) among insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes whose glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were <6.0% and identify the risk factors associated with hypoglycaemia occurrence.

Methodology

We conducted a cross-sectional study using 6-days CGMS to detect the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in 31 insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes who achieved HbA1c <6.0%. Patients were required to log-keep their self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) readings and hypoglycaemia events.

Results

Eight women experienced confirmed hypoglycaemia with additional seven experienced relative hypoglycaemia, giving rise to prevalence rate of 45.2% (one had both confirmed and relative hypoglycaemia). Nine relative hypoglycaemia and 17 confirmed hypoglycaemic events were recorded. Sixteen (94%) out of 17 confirmed hypoglycaemia events recorded by CGMS were asymptomatic and were missed despite performing regular SMBG. Nocturnal hypoglycaemia events were recorded in seven women. Univariable analysis did not identify any association between conventional risk factors and hypoglycaemia events in our cohort.

Conclusion

Insulin-treated pregnant women with diabetes who achieved HbA1c <6.0% were associated with high prevalence of hypoglycaemia. Asymptomatic hypoglycaemia is common in our cohort and frequently missed despite regular SMBG. Present study did not identify any association between conventional risk factors and hypoglycaemia events in our cohort.

Guidelines for exercise during normal pregnancy and gestational diabetes: a review of international recommendations

OBJECTIVE

Τo summarize and present the main guidelines for exercise during normal pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

Relevant guidelines were retrieved through the electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE), CENTRAL (Cochrane), and Embase; reference sections of the retrieved publications; proceedings of the main congresses in the field; and websites of relevant organizations published during the years 2000-2018.

RESULTS

All guidelines recommend aerobic training from 60 to 150 min/week, with an upper limit of 30 min/day. Exercise is safe, even on a daily basis. Resistance exercise is suggested by five national guidelines (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and the UK). Discrepancies exist regarding the recommended intensity of exercise. Canada, Japan, Spain, and the UK use both objective (heart rate and maximum oxygen consumption) and subjective criteria (Borg's Scale and talk test) to determine the effectiveness and safety of exercise. Only Canada provides specific recommendations, according to the woman's age and level of physical condition. Women with GDM on no insulin treatment do not need to take extra precautions during exercise. However, due to their condition of hyperglycemia, they must comply with the recommendation issued for type 2 diabetes. The prescription and supervision of exercise should be carried out in a similar way as for uncomplicated pregnancies. Finally, women with GDM on insulin treatment need to follow the same recommendations as for those for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Health professionals must be informed about the correct planning and execution of physical exercise programs so as to safely achieve the maximum effectiveness of exercise-induced health-related benefits in pregnant women.

Medical nutrition therapy for gestational diabetes mellitus based on Mediterranean Diet principles: a subanalysis of the St Carlos GDM Prevention Study

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet)-based medical nutrition therapy facilitates near-normoglycemia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDMw) and observe the effects on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of the St Carlos GDM Prevention Study, conducted between January and December 2015 in Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid, Spain). One thousand consecutive women with normoglycemia were included before 12 gestational weeks (GWs), with 874 included in the final analysis. Of these, 177 women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 697 had normal glucose tolerance. All GDMw received MedDiet-based medical nutrition therapy with a recommended daily extra virgin olive oil intake ≥40 mL and a daily handful of nuts. The primary goal was comparison of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at 36-38 GWs in GDMw and women with normal glucose tolerance (NGTw).

RESULTS

GDMw as compared with NGTw had higher HbA1c levels at 24-28 GWs (5.1%±0.3% (32±0.9 mmol/mol) vs 4.9%±0.3% (30±0.9 mmol/mol), p=0.001). At 36-38 GWs values were similar between the groups. Similarly, fasting serum insulin and homeostatic model assessment insulin resitance (HOMA-IR) were higher in GDMw at 24-28 GWs (p=0.001) but became similar at 36-38 GWs. 26.6% of GDMw required insulin for glycemic control. GDMw compared with NGTw had higher rates of insufficient weight gain (39.5% vs 22.0%, p=0.001), small for gestational age (6.8% vs 2.6%, p=0.009), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (5.6% vs 1.7%, p=0.006). The rates of macrosomia, large for gestational age, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, prematurity and cesarean sections were comparable with NGTw.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a MedDiet-based medical nutrition therapy as part of GDM management is associated with achievement of near-normoglycemia, subsequently making most pregnancy outcomes similar to those of NGTw.

Midlife development of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in women by history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Women with history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of early onset cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to investigate the extent to which HDP is also associated with midlife development of T2D and hypertension above and beyond established risk factors.

METHODS

We included parous women who attended population-based structured clinical visits at age 50 and 60 years in Sweden 1991-2013 (N = 6587). Women with prior diabetes mellitus, stroke, or ischemic heart disease at age 50 years were excluded. Data on reproductive history were collected from registries. To study the association between history of HDP and the between-visits development of T2D, hypertension, and clinical risk factors of cardiometabolic disease (body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and total cholesterol), we utilized multivariable adjusted regression models (logistic, log binomial, and linear regression, respectively). Models included data on outcome risk factors at age 50 years, e.g. BMI, 75 g 2 h oral glucose tolerance test result, and mean arterial pressure, respectively.

RESULTS

Between ages 50 and 60 years, 5.8% of initially disease-free women developed T2D and 31.6% developed hypertension. History of HDP was associated with increased risk of developing T2D between age 50 and 60 years even when adjusting for risk factors, including BMI, at age 50 years (odds ratio (OR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.98). By contrast, the higher risk of developing hypertension observed in women with history of HDP (relative risk (RR) 1.47, 95% CI 1.22-1.78) was attenuated when adjusted for risk factors (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.94-1.25). Participants with a history of HDP had higher mean BMI and blood pressure at age 50 years, with levels roughly corresponding to those observed at age 60 years in unaffected women.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with history of HDP are not only at higher risk of cardiometabolic disease during their reproductive years, but HDP is also associated with midlife T2D development above and beyond established risk factors.

Effect of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

AIMS

The present study evaluates association between physical activity and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), for it can be an effective intervention for its management. Though physical activity helps maintain glucose homeostasis, evidences of GDM risk are less extensive. Therefore, this study also identifies its correlation with maternal blood glucose levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective case-control study was carried out among pregnant women attending regular antenatal clinic at two private hospitals. The study comprised of 100 cases and 273 matched controls. Data was collected by personal interviews using a standard questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed using long form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) reported as Metabolic Equivalent-Minutes per week (MET-Minutes/Week). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for analysis.

RESULTS

Results shows high exposure rates for low-to-moderate physical activity among cases, across all domains and sub-activities. The odds of GDM engaged in domestic and gardening activities for <2999 MET-minutes per week are 10 times higher than involved for ≥3000 MET-minutes per week (P < 0.001). The study also shows poor or no correlation between physical activity during pregnancy and maternal blood glucose levels.

CONCLUSION

Despite existence of poor or no relationship with maternal blood glucose levels, prolonged sedentary behavior and decreased physical activities, especially domestic, are potential risk factors for GDM, a major finding of the study.

Pharmacotherapy for gestational diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents impaired carbohydrate metabolism during pregnancy and is characterized by progressive insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia. If inadequately treated, it may lead to fetal macrosomia and other adverse outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors summarize the current evidence from studies on the use of insulin and other agents for the treatment of women with GDM.

EXPERT OPINION

Lifestyle management is of paramount importance for the treatment of GDM. In pharmacotherapy, insulin remains the long-established mainstay of treatment. NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) and soluble human insulin have long been established for use, but favorable experience has now also accumulated with the newer insulins (aspart, lispro, detemir). Alternatively, metformin and glyburide have been used in GDM, but they have never gained wide acceptance. Nutritional supplements based on micronutrients and bioactives (probiotics and myoinositol) have shown promising results as well. Further experience with incretin agents (DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists) is awaited.

Treatments for women with gestational diabetes mellitus: an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Successful treatments for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have the potential to improve health outcomes for women with GDM and their babies.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a comprehensive synthesis of evidence from Cochrane systematic reviews of the benefits and harms associated with interventions for treating GDM on women and their babies.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (5 January 2018) for reviews of treatment/management for women with GDM. Reviews of pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes were excluded.Two overview authors independently assessed reviews for inclusion, quality (AMSTAR; ROBIS), quality of evidence (GRADE), and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 14 reviews. Of these, 10 provided relevant high-quality and low-risk of bias data (AMSTAR and ROBIS) from 128 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), 27 comparisons, 17,984 women, 16,305 babies, and 1441 children. Evidence ranged from high- to very low-quality (GRADE). Only one effective intervention was found for treating women with GDM.EffectiveLifestyle versus usual careLifestyle intervention versus usual care probably reduces large-for-gestational age (risk ratio (RR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.71; 6 RCTs, N = 2994; GRADE moderate-quality).PromisingNo evidence for any outcome for any comparison could be classified to this category.Ineffective or possibly harmful Lifestyle versus usual careLifestyle intervention versus usual care probably increases the risk of induction of labour (IOL) suggesting possible harm (average RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.46; 4 RCTs, N = 2699; GRADE moderate-quality).Exercise versus controlExercise intervention versus control for return to pre-pregnancy weight suggested ineffectiveness (body mass index, BMI) MD 0.11 kg/m², 95% CI -1.04 to 1.26; 3 RCTs, N = 254; GRADE moderate-quality).Insulin versus oral therapyInsulin intervention versus oral therapy probably increases the risk of IOL suggesting possible harm (RR 1.3, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.75; 3 RCTs, N = 348; GRADE moderate-quality).Probably ineffective or harmful interventionsInsulin versus oral therapyFor insulin compared to oral therapy there is probably an increased risk of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.12; 4 RCTs, N = 1214; GRADE moderate-quality).InconclusiveLifestyle versus usual careThe evidence for childhood adiposity kg/m² (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.11; 3 RCTs, N = 767; GRADE moderate-quality) and hypoglycaemia was inconclusive (average RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.52; 6 RCTs, N = 3000; GRADE moderate-quality).Exercise versus controlThe evidence for caesarean section (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.16; 5 RCTs, N = 316; GRADE moderate quality) and perinatal death or serious morbidity composite was inconclusive (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.61; 2 RCTs, N = 169; GRADE moderate-quality).Insulin versus oral therapyThe evidence for the following outcomes was inconclusive: pre-eclampsia (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.52; 10 RCTs, N = 2060), caesarean section (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.14; 17 RCTs, N = 1988), large-for-gestational age (average RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.35; 13 RCTs, N = 2352), and perinatal death or serious morbidity composite (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.26; 2 RCTs, N = 760). GRADE assessment was moderate-quality for these outcomes.Insulin versus dietThe evidence for perinatal mortality was inconclusive (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.33; 4 RCTs, N = 1137; GRADE moderate-quality).Insulin versus insulinThe evidence for insulin aspart versus lispro for risk of caesarean section was inconclusive (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.09; 3 RCTs, N = 410; GRADE moderate quality).No conclusions possibleNo conclusions were possible for: lifestyle versus usual care (perineal trauma, postnatal depression, neonatal adiposity, number of antenatal visits/admissions); diet versus control (pre-eclampsia, caesarean section); myo-inositol versus placebo (hypoglycaemia); metformin versus glibenclamide (hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, death or serious morbidity composite, insulin versus oral therapy (development of type 2 diabetes); intensive management versus routine care (IOL, large-for-gestational age); post- versus pre-prandial glucose monitoring (large-for-gestational age). The evidence ranged from moderate-, low- and very low-quality.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently there is insufficient high-quality evidence about the effects on health outcomes of relevance for women with GDM and their babies for many of the comparisons in this overview comparing treatment interventions for women with GDM. Lifestyle changes (including as a minimum healthy eating, physical activity and self-monitoring of blood sugar levels) was the only intervention that showed possible health improvements for women and their babies. Lifestyle interventions may result in fewer babies being large. Conversely, in terms of harms, lifestyle interventions may also increase the number of inductions. Taking insulin was also associated with an increase in hypertensive disorders, when compared to oral therapy. There was very limited information on long-term health and health services costs. Further high-quality research is needed.

Determinants of a good perinatal outcome in 588 pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes

AIM

This study assessed pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) over the last 15 years and identified modifiable factors associated with good perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

Pregnancy outcomes were prospectively assessed in this cohort study of 588 singleton pregnancies (441 women) managed by standardized care from 2000 to 2014. A good perinatal outcome was defined as the uncomplicated delivery of a normally formed, non-macrosomic, full-term infant with no neonatal morbidity. Factors associated with good perinatal outcomes were identified by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The rate of severe congenital malformations was 1.5%, and 0.7% for perinatal mortality. The most frequent perinatal complications were macrosomia (41%), preterm delivery (16%) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (11%). Shoulder dystocia occurred in 2.6% of cases, but without sequelae. Perinatal outcomes were good in 254 (44%) pregnancies, and were associated with lower maternal HbA_1c values at delivery [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.78, 95% CI: 2.04-3.70, for each 1% (11mmol/mol) absolute decrease], lower gestational weight gains (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10) and absence of preeclampsia (aOR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.09-6.25). The relationship between HbA_1c at delivery and a good perinatal outcome was continuous, with no discrimination threshold.

CONCLUSION

In our study, rates of severe congenital malformations and perinatal mortality were similar to those of the general population. Less severe complications, mainly macrosomia and late preterm delivery, persisted. Also, our study identified modifiable risk factors that could be targeted to further improve the prognosis of pregnancy in T1D.

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus amongst black South African women is a public health concern

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) amongst black South African women, describe GDM-associated risk factors and clinical management, and evaluate the efficacy of the fasting plasma glucose reading in diagnosing GDM.

METHODS

A cross-sectional screening study was performed. Pregnant women were recruited from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg. A total of 1906 women underwent a two-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks gestation. The World Health Organization's 2013 criteria were used to diagnose GDM.

RESULTS

A total of 174/1906 (9.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9, 10.5)) women were diagnosed with GDM. These women had significantly higher weights and body mass indexes (BMIs), were significantly older, of higher household socioeconomic status, more likely to report a family history of diabetes, and more likely to be diagnosed with anaemia than women without GDM. An age of ≥35 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², and a family history of diabetes were significant risk factors. The fasting plasma glucose reading had a high sensitivity (83.3% (95% CI 77.0, 88.5)) in diagnosing GDM and 56.9% of the women with GDM were managed by diet therapy alone.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest GDM prevalence study in South Africa to date. A diagnosis of GDM increases the risk of both mother and child developing Type 2 diabetes which causes further health complications, decreases longevity, and burdens a country's healthcare system. Therefore, a GDM prevalence of 9.1% is concerning and warrants further discussion around current GDM screening policies.

Beyond self-monitored plasma glucose and HbA1c: the role of non-traditional glycaemic markers in gestational diabetes mellitus

Strict glycaemic management is the cornerstone of metabolic control in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Current monitoring standards involve self-monitoring plasma glucose (SMBG) and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). However, both have important limitations. SMBG only reflects instantaneous blood glucose and the inconvenience of self-collecting blood frequently results in poor compliance. HbA1c provides information on blood glucose levels from the previous 2 to 3 months and it is influenced by iron-deficient states, common during pregnancy. There is an urgent need for new shorter-term glycaemic markers, as glycated albumin, fructosamine or 1,5-anhydroglucitol. Glycated albumin seems especially interesting as it provides information on blood glucose levels over the foregoing 2-3 weeks and it is not influenced by iron deficiency or the dilutional anaemia of pregnancy. Fructosamine has a precise and inexpensive measurement and it is not affected by haemoglobin characteristics. This review further discusses the potential value of these non-traditional indicators of glycaemic control in patients with GDM, outlining their possible future applications.

Semaglutide, reduction in glycated haemoglobin and the risk of diabetic retinopathy

AIMS

To evaluate diabetic retinopathy (DR) data from across the SUSTAIN clinical trial programme.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The SUSTAIN clinical trial programme evaluated the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In SUSTAIN 6, a 2-year, pre-approval cardiovascular outcomes trial, semaglutide was associated with a significant increase in the risk of DR complications (DRC) vs placebo. DR data from across the SUSTAIN trials were evaluated, and post hoc analyses of the SUSTAIN 6 data were conducted. These included subgroup analyses to identify at-risk patients and a mediation analysis with initial change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; percentage-points at week 16) as a covariate, to examine the role of the magnitude of reduction in HbA1c as an intermediate factor affecting risk of DRC.

RESULTS

There was no imbalance in DR adverse events across the SUSTAIN 1 to 5 and Japanese trials. The majority of the effect with semaglutide vs placebo in SUSTAIN 6 may be attributed to the magnitude and rapidity of HbA1c reduction during the first 16 weeks of treatment in patients who had pre-existing DR and poor glycaemic control at baseline, and who were treated with insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

Early worsening of DR is a known phenomenon associated with the rapidity and magnitude of improvement in glycaemic control with insulin; the DRC findings in SUSTAIN 6 are consistent with this. Guidance regarding the early worsening of DR is recommended with insulin. Similar recommendations may be appropriate for semaglutide.

Accuracy, User Acceptability, and Safety Evaluation for the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System When Used by Pregnant Women with Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Accuracy of the FreeStyle Libre™ Flash Glucose Monitoring System has not been evaluated in pregnant women with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine accuracy (compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG]), clinical safety, and acceptability of the FreeStyle Libre System when used at home by this population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-four participants, with type 1 (T1D, n = 24), type 2 (T2D, n = 11), or gestational (n = 39) diabetes, were enrolled across 13 sites (9 in United Kingdom, 4 in Austria). Average gestation was 26.6 ± 6.8 weeks (mean ± standard deviation), age was 30.5 ± 5.1 years, diabetes duration was 13.1 ± 7.3 years for T1D and 3.2 ± 2.5 years for T2D, and 49/74 (66.2%) used insulin to manage their diabetes. Sensors were worn for up to 14 days. Sensor glucose values (masked) were compared with capillary SMBG values (made at least 4 times/day).

RESULTS

Clinical accuracy of sensor results versus SMBG results was demonstrated, with 88.1% and 99.8% of results within Zone A and Zones A and B of the Consensus Error Grid, respectively. Overall mean absolute relative difference was 11.8%. Sensor accuracy was unaffected by the type of diabetes, the stage of pregnancy, whether insulin was used, age or body mass index. User questionnaires indicated high levels of satisfaction with sensor wear, system use, and comparison to SMBG. There were no unanticipated device-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Good agreement was demonstrated between the FreeStyle Libre System and SMBG. Accuracy of the system was unaffected by patient characteristics, indicating that the system is safe and accurate to use by pregnant women with diabetes.

Therapies for gestational diabetes and their implications for maternal and offspring health: Evidence from human and animal studies

Obesity prior to and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. One of the most common complications of pregnancy is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance that is diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy. GDM predisposes both mothers and their children to increased obesity and cardiometabolic disorders, namely type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Current treatments include lifestyle changes and insulin injections, but oral anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin and glyburide are increasingly prescribed as they do not require injections. However, the long-term implications of therapies for diabetes during pregnancy on mothers and their offspring are not fully understood. In this review, we describe current treatments for GDM, including the first line lifestyle interventions such as exercise as well as insulin, glyburides and metformin. We also review selected natural health products that are sometimes used by individuals during pregnancy that could also be an effective therapeutic in pregnancies characterized by obesity or GDM. We focus on both the short- and long-term effects of treatments on the health of mothers and their offspring. We review the current literature from clinical research and animal studies.

Attitudes, barriers and enablers to physical activity in pregnant women: a systematic review

QUESTION

What are the attitudes, barriers and enablers to physical activity perceived by pregnant women?

DESIGN

In a systematic literature review, eight electronic databases were searched: AMED, CINAHL, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute, Medline, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus (from database inception until June 2016) and PubMed (from 2011 until June 2016). Quantitative data expressed as proportions were meta-analysed. Data collected using Likert scales were synthesised descriptively. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach and content analysis. Findings were categorised as intrapersonal, interpersonal or environmental, based on a social-ecological framework.

PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant women.

INTERVENTION

Not applicable.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Attitudes and perceived barriers and enablers to physical activity during pregnancy.

RESULTS

Forty-nine articles reporting data from 47 studies (7655 participants) were included. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. Meta-analyses of proportions showed that pregnant women had positive attitudes towards physical activity, identifying it as important (0.80, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98), beneficial (0.71, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.83) and safe (0.86, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.92). This was supported by themes emerging in 15 qualitative studies that reported on attitudes (important, 12 studies; beneficial, 10 studies). Barriers to physical activity were predominantly intrapersonal such as fatigue, lack of time and pregnancy discomforts. Frequent enablers included maternal and foetal health benefits (intrapersonal), social support (interpersonal) and pregnancy-specific programs. Few environmental factors were identified. Little information was available about attitudes, barriers and enablers of physical activity for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus who are at risk from inactivity.

CONCLUSION

Intrapersonal themes were the most frequently reported barriers and enablers to physical activity during pregnancy. Social support also played an enabling role. Person-centred strategies using behaviour change techniques should be used to address intrapersonal and social factors to translate pregnant women's positive attitudes into increased physical activity participation.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42016037643. [Harrison AL, Taylor NF, Shields N, Frawley HC (2018) Attitudes, barriers and enablers to physical activity in pregnant women: a systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy 64: 24-32].

Premarriage Counseling in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a challenging illness and needs lifelong diabetes self-care. At the same time, there is a significant stigma associated with it, especially with relation to marriage. There are concerns related to premarriage disclosure, marital relationship, ability to procreate, risk during pregnancy in women, and the risk of disease in children. In this document, we discuss the issue of disease-related stigma which may become a significant challenge for a prospective spouse and the impact of type 1 diabetes on marital relationships and procreation. We also highlight the need for premarriage counseling to ensure long-term success in achieving both individual and interpersonal well-being.

Oral anti-diabetic agents for women with established diabetes/impaired glucose tolerance or previous gestational diabetes planning pregnancy, or pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes

BACKGROUND

While most guidance recommends the use of insulin in women whose pregnancies are affected by pre-existing diabetes, oral anti-diabetic agents may be more acceptable to women. The effects of these oral anti-diabetic agents on maternal and infant health outcomes need to be established in pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, as well as in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus preconceptionally or during a subsequent pregnancy. This review is an update of a review that was first published in 2010.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of oral anti-diabetic agents in women with established diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance or previous gestational diabetes who are planning a pregnancy, or pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes, on maternal and infant health. The use of oral anti-diabetic agents for the management of gestational diabetes in a current pregnancy is evaluated in a separate Cochrane Review.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 October 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs assessing the effects of oral anti-diabetic agents in women with established diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance or previous gestational diabetes who were planning a pregnancy, or pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. Cluster-RCTs were eligible for inclusion, but none were identified.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included RCTs. Review authors checked the data for accuracy, and assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified six RCTs (707 women), eligible for inclusion in this updated review, however, three RCTs had mixed populations (that is, they included pregnant women with gestational diabetes) and did not report data separately for the relevant subset of women for this review. Therefore we have only included outcome data from three RCTs; data were available for 241 women and their infants. The three RCTs all compared an oral anti-diabetic agent (metformin) with insulin. The women in the RCTs that contributed data had type 2 diabetes diagnosed before or during their pregnancy. Overall, the RCTs were judged to be at varying risk of bias. We assessed the quality of the evidence for selected important outcomes using GRADE; the evidence was low- or very low-quality, due to downgrading because of design limitations (risk of bias) and imprecise effect estimates (for many outcomes only one or two RCTs contributed data).For our primary outcomes there was no clear difference between metformin and insulin groups for pre-eclampsia (risk ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 1.20; RCTs = 2; participants = 227; very low-quality evidence) although in one RCT women receiving metformin were less likely to have pregnancy-induced hypertension (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.91; RCTs = 1; participants = 206; low-quality evidence). Women receiving metformin were less likely to have a caesarean section compared with those receiving insulin (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.88; RCTs = 3; participants = 241; low-quality evidence). In one RCT there was no clear difference between groups for large-for-gestational-age infants (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.72; RCTs = 1; participants = 206; very low-quality evidence). There were no perinatal deaths in two RCTs (very low-quality evidence). Neonatal mortality or morbidity composite outcome and childhood/adulthood neurosensory disability were not reported.For other secondary outcomes we assessed using GRADE, there were no clear differences between metformin and insulin groups for induction of labour (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.62 to 3.28; RCTs = 2; participants = 35; very low-quality evidence), though infant hypoglycaemia was reduced in the metformin group (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.62; RCTs = 3; infants = 241; very low-quality evidence). Perineal trauma, maternal postnatal depression and postnatal weight retention, and childhood/adulthood adiposity and diabetes were not reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are insufficient RCT data to evaluate the use of oral anti-diabetic agents in women with established diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance or previous gestational diabetes who are planning a pregnancy, or in pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes. Low to very low-quality evidence suggests possible reductions in pregnancy-induced hypertension, caesarean section birth and neonatal hypoglycaemia with metformin compared with insulin for women with type 2 diabetes diagnosed before or during their pregnancy, and no clear differences in pre-eclampsia, induction of labour and babies that are large-for-gestational age. Further high-quality RCTs that compare any combination of oral anti-diabetic agent, insulin and dietary and lifestyle advice for these women are needed. Future RCTs could be powered to evaluate effects on short- and long-term clinical outcomes; such RCTs could attempt to collect and report on the standard outcomes suggested in this review. We have identified three ongoing studies and four are awaiting classification. We will consider these when this review is updated.

Maternal Gestational Diabetes Mellitus increases placental and foetal lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 which might exert protective functions against oxidative stress

Increased Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2) has been associated with inflammatory pathologies, including Type 2 Diabetes. Studies on LpPLA2 and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are rare, and have focused mostly on maternal outcome. In the present study, we investigated whether LpPLA2 activity on foetal lipoproteins is altered by maternal GDM and/or obesity (a major risk factor for GDM), thereby contributing to changes in lipoprotein functionality. We identified HDL as the major carrier of LpPLA2 activity in the foetus, which is in contrast to adults. We observed marked expression of LpPLA2 in placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells; HBCs) and found that LpPLA2 activity in these cells was increased by insulin, leptin, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These regulators were also increased in plasma of children born from GDM pregnancies. Our results suggest that insulin, leptin, and pro-inflammatory cytokines are positive regulators of LpPLA2 activity in the foeto-placental unit. Of particular interest, functional assays using a specific LpPLA2 inhibitor suggest that high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated LpPLA2 exerts anti-oxidative, athero-protective functions on placental endothelium and foetus. Our results therefore raise the possibility that foetal HDL-associated LpPLA2 might act as an anti-inflammatory enzyme improving vascular barrier function.

The effects of various diets on glycemic outcomes during pregnancy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Aims

Evidence to support dietary modifications to improve glycemia during pregnancy is limited, and the benefits of diet beyond limiting gestational weight gain is unclear. Therefore, a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials was conducted to compare the effects of various common diets, stratified by the addition of gestational weight gain advice, on fasting glucose and insulin, hemoglobin A1c (Hb_A1c), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in pregnant women.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane database, and reference lists of published studies were searched through April 2017. Randomized trials directly comparing two or more diets for ≥2-weeks were eligible. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed for fasting glucose. Owing to a lack of similar dietary comparisons, a standard pairwise meta-analysis for the other glycemic outcomes was performed. The certainty of the pooled effect estimates was assessed using the GRADE tool.

Results

Twenty-one trials (1,865 participants) were included. In general, when given alongside gestational weight gain advice, fasting glucose improved in most diets compared to diets that gave gestational weight gain advice only. However, fasting glucose increased in high unsaturated or monounsaturated fatty acids diets. In the absence of gestational weight gain advice, fasting glucose improved in DASH-style diets compared to standard of care. Although most were non-significant, similar trends were observed for these same diets for the other glycemic outcomes. Dietary comparisons ranged from moderate to very low in quality of evidence.

Conclusion/Interpretation

Alongside with gestational weight gain advice, most diets, with the exception of a high unsaturated or a high monounsaturated fatty acid diet, demonstrated a fasting glucose improvement compared with gestational weight gain advice only. When gestational weight gain advice was not given, the DASH-style diet appeared optimal on fasting glucose. However, a small number of trials were identified and most dietary comparisons were underpowered to detect differences in glycemic outcomes. Further studies that are high in quality and adequately powered are needed to confirm these findings.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42015026008

Human Placental Hofbauer Cells Maintain an Anti-inflammatory M2 Phenotype despite the Presence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background

Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are macrophages of the feto-placental unit. Despite the general view that these cells have an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, recent studies have claimed that pregnancy pathologies—e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)—cause a switch from an M2 to an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype in HBCs. The pilot-study presented here challenges this claim, showing that HBCs maintain anti-inflammatory properties in spite of the hyperglycemic, low-grade inflammatory environment of GDM.

Methods

HBCs were isolated from placentae of healthy women (N = 5) and women with GDM (N = 6) diagnosed in the second trimester. FACS was used to measure surface markers associated with either M1 or M2 phenotype on the cells. In addition, placental tissue sections were subjected to immune histochemical imaging to assess the phenotype within the tissue context. Supernatant from control and GDM HBCs was collected at defined time points and used in a multiplex ELISA-on-beads approach to assess secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The effect of HBC cell culture supernatant on placental endothelial activation was investigated.

Results

FACS and immune staining showed that, indeed, M2 markers, such as CD206 and CD209, are increased in HBCs isolated from GDM placentae. Also, the M1 marker CD86 was increased, but only by trend. Secretion of numerous cytokines, chemokines and growth factors was not changed; pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 release form GDM HBC was increased but not significant. Exposure to GDM HBC supernatant did not induce cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, selectins, vascular endothelial-cadherin) in placental endothelial cells compared to supernatant from control HBCs, an induction of intracellular adhesion molecule 1 was observed however.

Conclusion

Our study—although performed in a small set of patients—shows that placental macrophages maintain their anti-inflammatory, tissue remodeling M2 phenotype even in pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes. This consistent phenotype might be important for propagation of maternal tolerance toward the fetus and for protection of the fetus from a low-grade inflammatory environment.