Evaluation of postpartum carbohydrate intolerance and cardiovascular risk factors in women with gestational diabetes

Predictors and risk factors of short-term and long-term outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their offspring: Moving toward precision prognosis?

As part of the American Diabetes Association Precision Medicine in Diabetes Initiative (PMDI) - a partnership with the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) - this systematic review is part of a comprehensive evidence evaluation in support of the 2 ^nd International Consensus Report on Precision Diabetes Medicine. Here, we sought to synthesize evidence from empirical research papers published through September 1 ^st , 2021 to evaluate and identify prognostic conditions, risk factors, and biomarkers among women and children affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), focusing on clinical endpoints of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among women with a history of GDM; and adiposity and cardiometabolic profile among offspring exposed to GDM in utero. We identified a total of 107 observational studies and 12 randomized controlled trials testing the effect of pharmaceutical and/or lifestyle interventions. Broadly, current literature indicates that greater GDM severity, higher maternal body mass index, belonging to racial/ethnic minority group; and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors would predict a woman's risk of incident T2D and CVD, and an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile among offspring. However, the level of evidence is low (Level 4 according to the Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for diabetes prognosis) largely because most studies leveraged retrospective data from large registries that are vulnerable to residual confounding and reverse causation bias; and prospective cohort studies that may suffer selection and attrition bias. Moreover, for the offspring outcomes, we identified a relatively small body of literature on prognostic factors indicative of future adiposity and cardiometabolic risk. Future high-quality prospective cohort studies in diverse populations with granular data collection on prognostic factors, clinical and subclinical outcomes, high fidelity of follow-up, and appropriate analytical approaches to deal with structural biases are warranted.

The relationship between neck circumference and gestational diabetes mellitus in Iranian women

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between neck circumference and gestational diabetes.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted on 372 Iranian pregnant women. The criteria set by the American Diabetes Association through 2 h was used to classify subjects with regard to their gestational diabetes. At the 14–16th weeks of pregnancy, the neck circumference was measured. The maternal and fetal outcomes were measured as well.

Results

The adjusted logistic regression revealed that neck circumference was a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.34; P = 0.002). The ROC analysis depicted that the cut-off for neck circumference in indicating gestational diabetes was 34.3 cm, with the sensitivity of 53% and the specificity of 66%.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study revealed that the neck circumference of ≥34.3 cm can be deemed as a predictor of gestational diabetes in the case of Iranian pregnant women.

Cardiovascular risk factors in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence on conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among women with previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019118149). PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. Studies reporting on CVD risk factors in women with previous GDM compared to women without previous GDM were selected. A total of 139 studies were eligible, of which 93 were included in the meta-analysis. Women with previous GDM have significantly higher systolic blood pressure (2.47 mmHg 95% CI 1.74 to 3.40, n = 48, 50,118 participants) diastolic blood pressure (1.89 mmHg 95% CI 1.32 to 2.46, n = 48, 49,495 participants), BMI (1.54 kg/m² 95% CI 1.32 to 2.46, n = 78, 255,308 participants), total cholesterol (0.26 SMD 95% CI 0.15 to 0.37, n = 48, 38,561 participants), LDL cholesterol (0.19 SMD 95% CI 0.08 to 0.30, n = 44, 16,980 participants), triglycerides (0.56 SMD 95% CI 0.42 to 0.70, n = 46, 13,175 participants), glucose (0.69 SMD 95% CI 0.56 to 0.81, n = 55, 127,900 participants), insulin (0.41 SMD 95% CI 0.23 to 0.59, n = 32, 8881 participants) and significantly lower HDL cholesterol (-0.28 SMD 95% CI -0.39 to -0.16, n = 56, 35,882 participants), compared to women without previous GDM. The increased blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose are seen as early as <1 year post-partum.Women with previous GDM have a higher risk of CVD based on significant increases in conventional risk factors. Some risk factors are seen as early as <1 year post-partum. Women with GDM may benefit from early screening to identify modifiable CVD risk factors.

Risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus after gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review & meta-analysis

Background &objectives:

Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of being diagnosed as type 2 diabetes, but the postpartum screening rate is low. To provide evidence-based data for health providers and promote postpartum screening, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to access the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosis after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in different demographic and maternal subgroups.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched systematically. Unadjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochrane’s Q text and by calculating I² values. Subgroup analyses were conducted to address the disparities of type 2 diabetes conversion after gestational diabetes in different demographic and maternal subgroups.

Results:

1809 publications were screened and 39 cohort studies including 2,847,596 women were selected. In these studies, 78,893 women were diagnosed as T2DM at six weeks or later after delivery. The unadjusted RRs of women diagnosed T2DM at six weeks or later after delivery ranged from 1.32 (95% CI, 0.46-3.37) to 47.25 (95% CI, 2.95-758.01) with a pooled unadjusted RR of 8.92 (95% CI, 7.84-10.14). Older women, women with a family history of diabetes, Black and non-Hispanic White women and women living in Europe and South-East Asia had a higher risk of developing T2DM after GDM.

Interpretation & conclusionsxs:

It is suggested that healthcare providers may focus on older women with GDM and women with GDM and a family history of diabetes. Black and non-Hispanic White women with GDM may receive more attention, and healthcare providers, especially those in Europe and South-East Asia, may pay more attention to preventive measures for postpartum T2DM.

Adverse metabolic outcomes in the early and late postpartum after gestational diabetes are broader than glucose control

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. To better target preventive measures, we performed an in-depth characterization of cardiometabolic risk factors in a cohort of women with gestational diabetes in the early (6-8 weeks) and late (1 year) postpartum.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective cohort of 622 women followed in a university gestational diabetes clinic between 2011 and 2017. 162 patients who attended the late postpartum visit were analyzed in a nested long-term cohort starting in 2015. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was based on the International Diabetes Federation definition, and then having at least two additional criteria of the MetS (blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, plasma glucose above or below the International Diabetes Federation cut-offs).

RESULTS

Compared with prepregnancy, weight retention was 4.8±6.0 kg in the early postpartum, and the prevalence of obesity, pre-diabetes, MetS-body mass index (BMI) and MetS-waist circumference (WC) were 28.8%, 28.9%, 10.3% and 23.8%, respectively. Compared with the early postpartum, weight did not change and waist circumference decreased by 2.6±0.6 cm in the late postpartum. However, the prevalence of obesity, pre-diabetes, MetS-WC and MetS-BMI increased (relative increase: 11% for obesity, 82% for pre-diabetes, 50% for MetS-WC, 100% for MetS-BMI; all p≤0.001).Predictors for obesity were the use of glucose-lowering treatment during pregnancy and the prepregnancy BMI. Predictors for pre-diabetes were the early postpartum fasting glucose value and family history of diabetes. Finally, systolic blood pressure in pregnancy and in the early postpartum, the 2-hour post oral glucose tolerance test glycemia and the HDL-cholesterol predicted the development of MetS (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of metabolic complications increased in the late postpartum, mainly due to an increase in fasting glucose and obesity, although weight did not change. We identified predictors of late postpartum obesity, pre-diabetes and MetS that could lead to high-risk identification and targeted preventions.

Effects of Different Glucose-Lowering Measures on Maternal and Infant Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes: A Network Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare and rank the effects of different glucose-lowering measures on maternal and infant outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, CNKI, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and Weipu databases for relevant studies published between database establishment and June 2021. Study retrieval involved subject-heading and keyword searches. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with different glucose-lowering treatments for GDM patients were included. The Cochrane tool was used to assess bias risk. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were used to compare and rank the effects of different hypoglycemic measures on maternal and infant outcomes in pregnant women with GDM.

RESULTS

We included 41 RCTs involving 6245 pregnant women with GDM. Patients treated with insulin had a higher incidence of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) occupancy (1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.7) than those treated with metformin. The insulin (1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1 and 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.3) and glyburide (2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.2 and 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-8.4) groups exhibited higher incidences of neonatal hypoglycemia and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns than the metformin group. The glyburide group exhibited a lower probability of cesarean section than the metformin (0.76, 95% CI 0.55-1.0) and insulin (0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.96) groups. Preeclampsia incidence in the diet and exercise groups was significantly lower than in the metformin (0.19, 95% CI 0.043-0.72) and insulin (0.15, 95% CI 0.032-0.52) groups. No intervention significantly reduced the incidences of macrosomia, preterm birth, gestational hypertension, or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The ranking results showed that the metformin group had the lowest rates of neonatal hypoglycemia, macrosomia, LGA, and NICU occupancy. The glyburide group had the lowest NICU occupancy and cesarean section rates and the highest neonatal hypoglycemia, LGA, preeclampsia, and gestational hypertension rates. The diet and exercise group had the lowest preterm delivery and preeclampsia rates and the highest NICU occupancy rate.

CONCLUSION

Metformin is a potentially superior choice for GDM treatment because it is associated with minimal incidences of multiple adverse pregnancy outcome indicators and does not lead to high values of certain adverse outcome indices. Other hypoglycemic agent or diet groups exhibit high incidences of certain adverse outcomes. Therefore, when selecting a GDM treatment strategy, the efficacies and risks of different treatment programs should be evaluated according to the scenario in hand.

Long-term cardio-metabolic effects after gestational diabetes: a review

Women with GDM are at high risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A relationship with GDM and future development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been also recognized. Pregnancy and postpartum period in women with GDM give us the opportunity to identify the underlying, often unrecognized, CVD risk factors. Ideally, the postpartum follow-up of this women should be done by a multidisciplinary team to evaluate their cardio-metabolic risk and to counseling regarding lifestyle modification (healthy diet and regular physical activity) and breastfeeding that can reduce their risk. Longer follow-up of these women should be individualized, focusing attention on women at medium-high cardio-metabolic risk. The link between GDM and T2DM-CVD offers us a great opportunity for the diseases prevention.

Association between metabolic syndrome and gestational diabetes mellitus in women and their children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in women and children. Our secondary aim was to assess the development of MetS with respect to the elapsed time postpartum at which MetS was diagnosed.

METHODS

This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020173319). PubMed, CINHAL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. Studies reporting on the rate of MetS in pregnant women with GDM, the rate of MetS in women with a history of GDM, and the rate of MetS in offspring exposed to GDM in utero compared to healthy controls were selected.

RESULTS

We identified 588 articles from the literature search. Fifty-one studies were included in the review and of those 35 were included in the meta-analysis. Quantitative summary measures showed that women with a history of GDM had an increased risk of developing MetS compared to those without a history of GDM (RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.77-3.14, 29 studies, 13,390 participants; heterogeneity: χ² p < 0.00001; I² = 93%). Offspring exposed to GDM in utero have an increased risk of developing MetS compared to those not exposed to GDM in utero. (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26-3.42, three studies, 4,421 participants; heterogeneity: χ² p = 0.33; I² = 12%). Women diagnosed with GDM have an increased risk of developing MetS during pregnancy (RR 20.51, 95% CI 5.04-83.55; three studies, 406 participants; heterogeneity: χ² p = 0.96; I² = 0%). Subgroup analysis revealed that MetS is diagnosed as early as <1 year postpartum in women with a history of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Women with GDM have an increased risk of developing MetS during pregnancy. Women with a history of GDM and offspring exposed to GDM in utero have higher risks of developing MetS compared to those with no history of GDM. Metabolic syndrome in women with a history of GDM is seen as early as <1 year postpartum.

Associations between Gestational Diabetes and Anxiety or Depression: A Systematic Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnant women are under more psychological stress than normal pregnant women. With the deepening of the study of gestational diabetes mellitus, research has shown that anxiety and depression are also an important cause of gestational diabetes mellitus. Anxiety and depression can cause imbalances in the hormone levels in the body, which has a serious impact on the pregnancy outcome and blood glucose control of pregnant women with GDM. Therefore, the main purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the association between anxiety, depression, and GDM, as well as the adverse effects on pregnant women with GDM. To this end, we searched the PubMed, CNKI, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and Weipu databases. Studies on the incidence of anxiety, depression, and GDM, blood glucose in pregnant women with GDM, delivery mode, and maternal and infant outcomes were included to be analyzed, and the source of anxiety and depression in pregnant women with GDM and related treatment measures were discussed.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Schemes Modify Maternal Plasma Cholesterol Levels Dependent to Women´s Weight: Possible Impact on Feto-Placental Vascular Function

: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) associates with fetal endothelial dysfunction (ED), which occurs independently of adequate glycemic control. Scarce information exists about the impact of different GDM therapeutic schemes on maternal dyslipidemia and obesity and their contribution to the development of fetal-ED. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GDM-treatments on lipid levels in nonobese (N) and obese (O) pregnant women and the effect of maternal cholesterol levels in GDM-associated ED in the umbilical vein (UV). O-GDM women treated with diet showed decreased total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels with respect to N-GDM ones. Moreover, O-GDM women treated with diet in addition to insulin showed higher TC and LDL levels than N-GDM women. The maximum relaxation to calcitonin gene-related peptide of the UV rings was lower in the N-GDM group compared to the N one, and increased maternal levels of TC were associated with even lower dilation in the N-GDM group. We conclude that GDM-treatments modulate the TC and LDL levels depending on maternal weight. Additionally, increased TC levels worsen the GDM-associated ED of UV rings. This study suggests that it could be relevant to consider a specific GDM-treatment according to weight in order to prevent fetal-ED, as well as to consider the possible effects of maternal lipids during pregnancy.

Predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for gestational diabetes and its associated metabolic and cardiovascular diseases

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as the presence of high blood glucose levels with the onset, or detected for the first time during pregnancy, as a result of increased insulin resistance. GDM may be induced by dysregulation of pancreatic β-cell function and/or by alteration of secreted gestational hormones and peptides related with glucose homeostasis. It may affect one out of five pregnancies, leading to perinatal morbidity and adverse neonatal outcomes, and high risk of chronic metabolic and cardiovascular injuries in both mother and offspring. Currently, GDM diagnosis is based on evaluation of glucose homeostasis at late stages of pregnancy, but increased age and body-weight, and familiar or previous occurrence of GDM, may conditionate this criteria. In addition, an earlier and more specific detection of GDM with associated metabolic and cardiovascular risk could improve GDM development and outcomes. In this sense, 1st-2nd trimester-released biomarkers found in maternal plasma including adipose tissue-derived factors such as adiponectin, visfatin, omentin-1, fatty acid-binding protein-4 and retinol binding-protein-4 have shown correlations with GDM development. Moreover, placenta-related factors such as sex hormone-binding globulin, afamin, fetuin-A, fibroblast growth factors-21/23, ficolin-3 and follistatin, or specific micro-RNAs may participate in GDM progression and be useful for its recognition. Finally, urine-excreted metabolites such as those related with serotonin system, non-polar amino-acids and ketone bodies, may complete a predictive or early-diagnostic panel of biomarkers for GDM.

The Risk for Glucose Intolerance after Gestational Diabetes Mellitus since the Introduction of the IADPSG Criteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of the study was to assess the postpartum risk for glucose intolerance since the introduction of the ‘International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups’ (IADPSG) criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Studies published since 2010 were included, which evaluated the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and cardiovascular (CV) events in women with previous GDM compared to normal glucose tolerant women. We included forty-three studies, evaluating 4,923,571 pregnant women of which 5.8% (284,312) had a history of GDM. Five studies used IADPSG criteria (n = 6174 women, 1314 with GDM). The overall pooled relative risk (RR) for postpartum T2DM was 7.42 (95% CI: 5.99–9.19) and the RR for postpartum T2DM with IADPSG criteria was 6.45 (95% CI: 4.74–8.77) compared to the RR of 9.08 (95% CI: 6.96–11.85; p = 0.17) for postpartum T2DM based on other diagnostic criteria. The RR for postpartum IGT was 2.45 (95% CI: 1.92–3.13), independent of the criteria used. None of the available studies with IADPSG criteria evaluated the risk for CV events. Women with a history of GDM based on the IADPSG criteria have a similarly increased risk for postpartum glucose intolerance compared to GDM based on other diagnostic criteria. More studies with GDM based on the IADPSG criteria are needed to increase the quality of evidence concerning the long-term metabolic risk.

Early postpartum metabolic syndrome in women with or without gestational diabetes: Results from Life after Gestational Diabetes Ahvaz cohort study

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome and its potential risk factors, 6-12 weeks postpartum in women with GDM compared to women with normal glucose tolerance.

METHODS

LAGAs is an ongoing population-based prospective cohort study that started in March 2015 in Ahvaz, Iran. During 11 months of study progression, 176 women with GDM pregnancy and 86 healthy women underwent a fasting glucose test, 75-g OGTT and fasting lipid tests at 6-12 weeks postpartum. GDM was defined based on IADPSG criteria. Postpartum glucose intolerance was defined according to ADA criteria and metabolic syndrome using 2 sets of criteria.

RESULTS

The overall rate of metabolic syndrome at 6-12 weeks postpartum was 16% by NCEP-ATP III criteria (18.2% in women with GDM and 11.6% in controls) and 19.1% by IDF criteria (21% in women with gestational diabetes and 15.1% in controls). Pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, (OR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05-3.38, P = .03), pregnancy systolic blood pressure (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.008-1.52, P = .006) and requiring insulin or metformin (OR 3.08, 95% CI: 1.25-7.60, P = 0.01), were associated risk factors for the presence of MetS in GDM-exposed women. In women with normal glucose during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI ≥25 kg/m² was a risk factor of metabolic syndrome (OR 2.82, 95% CI: 1.11-7.15, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

The rate of metabolic syndrome in women with or without GDM at 6-12 weeks postpartum is high particularly in women with high BMI. An early postpartum prevention and screening program for cardiovascular risk factors is important for women with GDM.

Long-term risk of diabetes in women at varying durations after gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis with more than 2 million women

This study aims to investigate the impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the long-term risks of diabetes in women with prior GDM, including the effect at different time periods after GDM. We searched PubMed and other databases to retrieve articles which were published prior to February 28, 2017. Cohort studies which evaluated the risk and time of onset of diabetes postpartum in women with and without GDM were included. Meta-analysis with random effects models was used to obtain pooled relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for the risk of diabetes. Subgroup analyses were performed to check for different effect sizes as well as consistency across groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Thirty cohort studies with 2,626,905 pregnant women were included. Women with prior GDM had 7.76-fold (95% confidence intervals: 5.10-11.81) unadjusted pooled risk of diabetes as compared with women without GDM, whilst the adjusted risk was 17.92-fold (16.96-18.94). The adjusted ORs of GDM for diabetes among women at <3, ≥3 - <6 and ≥6 - <10 years after GDM were 5.37 (3.51-9.34), 16.55 (16.08-17.04) and 8.20 (4.53-14.86), respectively. Women with prior GDM had substantially increased risk of diabetes, with the risk highest during the 3-6 years after GDM.

Maternal genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in gestational diabetes shows distinctive disease-associated changes relative to matched healthy pregnancies

Several recent reports have described associations between gestational diabetes (GDM) and changes to the epigenomic landscape where the DNA samples were derived from either cord or placental sources. We employed genome-wide 450K array analysis to determine changes to the epigenome in a unique cohort of maternal blood DNA from 11 pregnant women prior to GDM development relative to matched controls. Hierarchical clustering segregated the samples into 2 distinct clusters comprising GDM and healthy pregnancies. Screening identified 100 CpGs with a mean β-value difference of ≥0.2 between cases and controls. Using stringent criteria, 5 CpGs (within COPS8, PIK3R5, HAAO, CCDC124, and C5orf34 genes) demonstrated potentials to be clinical biomarkers as revealed by differential methylation in 8 of 11 women who developed GDM relative to matched controls. We identified, for the first time, maternal methylation changes prior to the onset of GDM that may prove useful as biomarkers for early therapeutic intervention.

Arterial stiffness in fertile women with metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is evidently associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), recently its use has been questioned. We studied the utility of MetS diagnosis when estimating individual CVD risk.

METHODS

We compared 27 fertile women with MetS and 27 counterparts without the syndrome, matched pairwise according to well-known risk factors of CVD. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure (cBP) were determined noninvasively via a SphygmoCor device. Arterial compliance was measured noninvasively with an HDI/PulseWave^TMCR-2000 arterial tonometer.

RESULTS

PWV (7.1 ± 2.5 versus 6.5 ± 1.1 m/s, p = .037), and both systolic (120.9 ± 12.2 versus 111.5 ± 16.0 mmHg, p = .031) and diastolic cBP (81.3 ± 8.5 versus 74.1 ± 11.2 mmHg, p = .035) were higher in the MetS group. Systemic arterial compliance values were lower in both large (15.1 ± 8.0 versus 16.1 ± 4.4 mL/mmHg × 10, p = .034) and small arteries (7.1 ± 2.5 versus 9.3 ± 3.2 mL/mmHg ×100, p = .010) in women with MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Fertile women with MetS had increased arterial stiffness, as measured by three different methods. Our results highlight the utility of MetS when revealing increased individual CVD risks in fertile-aged women. Key messages Women with MetS have increased arterial stiffness when measured by different methods. MetS is a useful clinical tool to assess increased cardiovascular risk, particularly among fertile-aged women.

Review of gestational diabetes mellitus effects on vascular structure and function

Vascular dysfunction has been described in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, previous gestational diabetes mellitus increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Factors contributing to vascular changes remain uncertain. The aim of this review was to summarize vascular structure and function changes found to occur in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and to identify factors that contribute to vascular dysfunction. A systematic search of electronic databases yielded 15 publications from 1998 to March 2014 that met the inclusion criteria. Our review confirmed that previous gestational diabetes mellitus contributes to vascular dysfunction, and the most consistent risk factor associated with previous gestational diabetes mellitus and vascular dysfunction was elevated body mass index. Heterogeneity existed across studies in determining the relationship of glycaemic levels and insulin resistance to vascular dysfunction.

Fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose, and HbA1c in pregnancy and the postpartum risk of diabetes among Chinese women with gestational diabetes

AIMS

Very few studies have assessed the association of fasting and 2h glucose, and HbA1c during pregnancy with postpartum diabetes risk among women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We assessed the association of fasting glucose, 2h glucose and HbA1c at 26-30 gestational weeks with postpartum diabetes risk among women with prior GDM.

METHODS

A cohort study in 1263 GDM women at 1-5 years after delivery was performed. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association of fasting and 2h plasma glucose, and HbA1c at 26-30 gestational weeks with the risk of diabetes at postpartum.

RESULTS

The multivariable-adjusted (age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, current body mass index, family history of diabetes, marital status, education, family income, smoking status, passive smoking, leisure-time physical activity, alcohol drinking, and intake of energy, saturated fat, and dietary fiber) hazard ratios of postpartum diabetes were 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-1.91) for each 1 mmol/l increase in fasting glucose during pregnancy, 1.63 (95% CI: 1.45-1.84) for each 1 mmol/l increase in 2h glucose during pregnancy, 2.11 (95% CI: 1.50-2.97) for each 1 unit (%) increase in HbA1c during pregnancy. When fasting glucose, 2h glucose and HbA1c during pregnancy were entered multivariable-adjusted model simultaneously, 2h glucose and HbA1c but not fasting glucose remained to be significant and positive predictors for postpartum diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

For women with prior GDM, 2h plasma glucose and HbA1c during pregnancy are independent predictors of postpartum diabetes, but fasting plasma glucose during pregnancy is not.

Changes in lipid profile after treatment of women with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance, a key factor in the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is associated with an atherogenic lipid profile. Lipid metabolism is altered during normal pregnancy, but it is still unknown how the treatment of GDM affects lipoprotein concentrations.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate maternal lipids at GDM diagnosis, after treatment, and in the puerperium and analyze the influence of BMI, insulin requirement, and glycemic control on lipoproteins.

METHODS

In this observational prospective study, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, and triglycerides (TG) were measured, and LDL was calculated at diagnosis (Dx), at 3-6 weeks after GDM treatment initiation (PI, post initiation) and 6-week postpartum (PP). Subgroups analyses were performed according to categories of maternal BMI, insulin requirement, and quality of glucose control.

RESULTS

TC and TG increased from Dx to PI and decreased in PP (TC: 213.6 mg/dL, 223.9 mg/dL, and 195.5 mg/dL; TG: 181.5 mg/dL, 203.5 mg/dL, and 100.5 mg/dL, at Dx, PI, and PP, respectively; P < .0001). HDL declined in the puerperium (Dx = 60 mg/dL, PI = 60.8 mg/dL, PP = 51.8 mg/dL; P < .0001 for Dx-PP and PI-PP, respectively). Insulin-treated patients showed an increase in LDL from Dx to PP, whereas LDL declined in the diet-only group (12 vs -11.1 mg/dL, P = .010). TC and TG increased from Dx to PI in patients with adequate glycemic control and decreased in the uncontrolled subgroup (TC: 15.5 vs -1.2 mg/dL, P = .041; TG: 29.7 vs -12.5 mg/dL, P = .07). No significant differences in lipids variation were observed according to BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin requirement and glycemic control status directly affected the variation of lipid profile in women with GDM.

Women with a history of gestational diabetes on long-term follow up have normal vascular function despite more dysglycemia, dyslipidemia and adiposity

AIMS

Previous gestational diabetes (GDM) is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and increased metabolic risk, but the link with vascular dysfunction is not clear. This study examined vascular function in women 4-10 years after a diagnosis of GDM who had a normal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the first postpartum year.

METHODS

We studied 90 women with a history of GDM and 59 age-matched controls, examining differences in insulin resistance as measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) and glucose responses during an OGTT, adiposity, lipid profile and C-reactive protein (CRP). Using pulse wave analysis, we also measured cardiac function, vascular compliance, and systemic vascular resistance.

RESULTS

Women with a history of GDM had higher measures of adiposity (body mass index 28.9 ± 6.5 vs. 26.6 ± 6.9 kg/m(2), P=0.04, waist-hip ratio 0.85 ± 0.06 vs. 0.79 ± 0.07, P<0.001), dyslipidemia (LDL cholesterol 2.78 ± 0.64 vs. 2.41 ± 0.56 mmol/L, P<0.001, total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol 3.93 ± 1.2 vs. 3.21 ± 0.82 mmol/L, P<0.001) and abnormal glucose metabolism (50% vs. 12%, P<0.001). However, there was no difference in CRP, HOMA-IR, or measures of cardiovascular function including pulse rate, pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, small and large artery elasticity index. After controlling for adiposity, blood pressure, lipids and CRP, glycemic status did not contribute to vascular function.

CONCLUSION

Despite a higher incidence of adiposity, dyslipidemia, and impaired glycemia, women with a history of GDM who had a normal postpartum OGTT did not have impaired vascular function 4-10 years postpartum, when compared to healthy controls.

Possibility to predict early postpartum glucose abnormality following gestational diabetes mellitus based on the results of routine mid-gestational screening

INTRODUCTION

Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have increased risk of developing glucose abnormality, but current diagnostic criteria are evidence-based for adverse pregnancy outcome.

THE AIMS OF OUR STUDY WERE

(i) to ascertain a frequency of early conversion of GDM into permanent glucose abnormality, (ii) to determine predictive potential of current GDM diagnostic criteria for prediction of postpartum glucose abnormality and (iii) to find optimal cut-off values of oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) to stratify GDM population according to postpartum risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic medical records of an ethnically homogenous cohort of women diagnosed and treated for GDM in a single medical centre during the period 2005-2011 who completed postpartum oGTT up to 1 year after the index delivery were retrospectively analysed (N=305).

RESULTS

Postpartum glucose abnormality was detected in 16.7% subjects. Mid-trimester oGTT values, respective area under the curve and HbA1c were significantly associated with early postpartum glucose abnormality (P<0.05, Mann-Whitney) and exhibited significant predictive potential for postpartum glucose abnormality risk assessment. Optimal cut-off values for discrimination of at-risk sub-population were identified using ROC analysis and their comparison with WHO and IADPSG criteria exhibited superiority of IADPSG for risk-stratification of GDM population.

CONCLUSION

Risk-based stratification at the time of GDM diagnosis could improve efficiency of the post-gestational screening for diabetes. IADPSG criteria seem to optimally capture both perinatal and maternal metabolic risks and are therefore medically and economically justified.

Pregnancy Complications as Markers for Subsequent Maternal Cardiovascular Disease: Validation of a Maternal Recall Questionnaire

BACKGROUND

We designed and tested the validity of a questionnaire to characterize maternal recall of pregnancy complications associated with increased future cardiovascular disease risk, based on the 2011 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.

METHODS

A maternal recall questionnaire of pregnancy history was administered to 971 patients who had participated in a previous cohort study of 1,608 pregnant women. Medical records from the study pregnancy served as the gold standard. Prevalence, sensitivity (sens), specificity (spec), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and/or Spearman's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for each question.

RESULTS

A total of 526 (54%) individuals recontacted responded. Respondents were more likely to be older, white, educated, and nulliparous and were less likely to deliver low-birthweight infants in the study pregnancy than were individuals who did not respond. Mean length of recall was 4.35 years (standard deviation [SD] 0.46) postpartum. Maternal recall was most accurate for gestational diabetes (sens: 92%, spec: 98%, PPV: 79%, NPV: 99%), infant birthweight (r=0.95), and gestation length (r=0.85). Maternal recall was modest for preeclampsia (sens: 79%, spec: 97%, PPV: 68%, NPV: 98%) and pregnancy-associated hypertension, including preeclampsia or gestational hypertension (sens: 60%, spec: 95%, PPV: 64%, NPV: 94%).

CONCLUSIONS

This validation study demonstrated that the majority of women could accurately recall a history of gestational diabetes, infant birthweight, and gestational age at delivery, 4 years postpartum on average. Recall of preeclampsia and pregnancy-associated hypertension overall was modest. Maternal report of these pregnancy conditions may help clinicians identify women at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes: The influence of changing diagnostic criteria

A previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) carries a lifetime risk of progression to type 2 diabetes of up to 60%. Identification of those women at higher risk of progression to diabetes allows the timely introduction of measures to delay or prevent diabetes onset. However, there is a large degree of variability in the literature with regard to the proportion of women with a history of GDM who go on to develop diabetes. Heterogeneity between cohorts with regard to diagnostic criteria used, duration of follow-up, and the characteristics of the study population limit the ability to make meaningful comparisons across studies. As the new International Association for Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group criteria are increasingly adopted worldwide, the prevalence of GDM is set to increase by two-to three-fold. Here, we review the literature to examine the evolution of diagnostic criteria for GDM, the implications of changing criteria on the proportion of women with previous GDM progressing to diabetes, and how the use of different diagnostic criteria may influence the development of appropriate follow-up strategies.

The risk of metabolic syndrome after gestational diabetes mellitus - a hospital-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) after delivery. Recently, the prevalence of both GDM and MetS has increased worldwide, in parallel with obesity. We investigated whether the presentation of MetS and its clinical features among women with previous GDM differs from that among those with normal glucose tolerance during pregnancy, and whether excess body weight affects the results.

METHODS

This hospital-based study of two cohorts was performed in Kanta-Häme Central Hospital, Finland. 120 women with a history of GDM and 120 women with a history of normal glucose metabolism during pregnancy, all aged between 25 and 46 were enrolled. They all underwent physical examination and had baseline blood samples taken. All 240 women were also included in subgroup analyses to study the effect of excess body weight on the results.

RESULTS

Although the groups did not differ in body mass index (BMI; p = 0.069), the risk of developing MetS after pregnancy complicated by GDM was significantly higher than after normal pregnancy, 19 vs. 8 cases (p  =  0.039). Fasting glucose (p < 0.001) and triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in women affected. In subgroup analysis, cardiovascular risk factors were more common in participants with high BMI than in those with previous gestational diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of MetS was 2.4-fold higher after GDM than after normal pregnancy. Cardiovascular risk factors were more common in participants with high BMI than in those with previous GDM. Multivariate analysis supported the main findings. Weight control is important in preventing MetS after delivery.

Reduced circulating levels of TWEAK are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the inflammatory axis mediated by tumour necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its scavenger receptor CD163 during pregnancy and their influence on insulin sensitivity in normal pregnancy and in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and thirty seven women with one singleton pregnancy, 71 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 66 with GDM were studied. Glucose metabolism was assessed by oral glucose tolerance test. Serum concentrations of soluble TWEAK (sTWEAK) and CD163 (sCD163) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index) were determined in maternal blood drawn at recruitment, in the early third trimester. Offspring weight and height were assessed at birth.

RESULTS

Women with GDM had lower circulating sTWEAK concentrations than control NGT group (237·8 (192·1-301·0) pg/mL vs. 277·2 (206·4-355·7) pg/mL; P = 0·013). sTWEAK was negatively associated with the presence of GDM (r = -0·212; P = 0·013), HOMA-IR index (r = -0·197; P = 0·021) and ponderal index of the newborn (r = -0·196; P = 0·025), but positively with HDL cholesterol (r = 0·283; P = 0·001). In multiple regression analysis, sTWEAK concentration emerged as one of the main predictors of insulin resistance, along with BMI, triglycerides and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol (R(2)  = 0·486; P < 0·001). No relationship was found between HOMA-IR index and sCD163 or sCD163/sTWEAK ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

sTWEAK concentrations are lower in patients with GDM compared with healthy pregnant women, and low concentrations of sTWEAK are associated with insulin resistance. These findings suggest that insulin resistance during pregnancy is closely linked to inflammatory imbalance and sTWEAK may represent a new candidate associated with GDM.

Association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with subclinical atherosclerosis: a systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an elevated risk of adverse health outcomes such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is increasingly used as a noninvasive marker for subclinical atherosclerosis. Whether there is a direct correlation between GDM and elevated cIMT is still controversial.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and reference lists of relevant papers were reviewed. Studies assessing the relationship between GDM and cIMT were included. Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) of cIMT was calculated using random-effect models.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with a total of 2247 subjects were included in our analysis, giving a pooled WMD of 0.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03 -0.07). Furthermore, meta regression and subgroup analysis found that the association between GDM and larger cIMT already existed during pregnancy, and this relation was stronger in obese GDM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

GDM in and after pregnancy is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Weight control may be helpful to prevent cardiovascular diseases for GDM patients.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk after pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects many women in pregnancy and is enhanced by epidemic conditions of obesity, increasing age at the time of the first pregnancy, stressful life conditions, a sedentary lifestyle with less physical activity and unhealthy nutrition with highly processed, high-calorie food intake. GDM does not affect the mother and offspring in pregnancy alone, as there is compelling evidence of the long-term effects of the hyperglycemic state in pregnancy postpartum. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are more common in GDM women, and even the offspring of GDM women are reported to have higher obesity rates and a higher risk for noncommunicable diseases. Early prevention of risk factors seems to be key to overcoming the vicious cycle of cardiometabolic disease onset.

History of gestational diabetes mellitus and future risk of atherosclerosis in mid-life: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study

BACKGROUND

History of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes (DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), which increase risk of cardiovascular disease. It is unclear, however, whether GDM increases risk of early atherosclerosis independent of pre-pregnancy obesity and subsequent metabolic disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of 2787 women (18 to 30 years) enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, we studied 898 (47% black) who were free of DM and heart disease at baseline (1985-1986), delivered ≥1 post-baseline births, reported GDM history, and had common carotid intima media thickness (ccIMT, mm) measured in 2005-2006. We used multivariable linear regression to assess associations between GDM and ccIMT adjusted for race, age, parity, and pre-pregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors. We assessed mediators (weight gain, insulin resistance, blood pressure), and effect modification by incident DM or MetS during the 20-year period. Of the 898 women, 119 (13%) reported GDM (7.6 per 100 deliveries). Average age was 31 at last birth and 44 at ccIMT measurement for GDM and non-GDM groups. Unadjusted mean ccIMT was 0.023 mm higher for GDM than non-GDM groups (P=0.029), but pre-pregnancy BMI attenuated the difference to 0.016 mm (P=0.109). In 777 women without subsequent DM or the MetS, mean ccIMT was 0.023 mm higher for GDM versus non-GDM groups controlling for race, age, parity, and pre-pregnancy BMI (0.784 versus 0.761, P=0.039). Addition of pre-pregnancy insulin resistance index had minimal impact on adjusted mean net ccIMT difference (0.22 mm). Mean ccIMT did not differ by GDM status among 121 women who developed DM or the MetS (P=0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

History of GDM may be a marker for early atherosclerosis independent of pre-pregnancy obesity among women who have not developed type 2 diabetes or the metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome risk after gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the results are contradictory. Accordingly, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between these two conditions. The aim was to better understand the risks of MS with prior gestational diabetes.

METHODS

Pubmed, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from September 1, 1979 to July 11, 2013 were searched to identify relevant studies. 17 studies containing 5832 women and 1149 MS events were included. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in analysis for each study using a random-effect or fixed-effect model. We also determined heterogeneity among these 17 articles and their publication bias.

RESULTS

Women with a history of gestational diabetes had a significantly higher risk of MS than those who had a normal pregnancy (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.99 to 5.26), but had significant heterogeneity (I (2) = 52.6%). The effect remained robust (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 3.78-5.46) in the subgroup of Caucasians, but no association (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.64-2.56) was found in Asians. Heterogeneity was reduced (body mass index (BMI) matched group I (2) = 14.2%, BMI higher in the GDM group I (2) = 13.2%) in the subgroup of BMI. In addition, mothers with higher BMI in the GDM group had higher risk of MS than those in the BMI matched group (BMI higher in GDM group OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 4.47-6.50, BMI matched group OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.88-3.41).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated increased risk of MS after gestational diabetes. Therefore, attention should be given to preventing or delaying the onset of MS in GDM mothers, particularly in Caucasian and obese mothers.

Metabolic syndrome risk after gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A number of studies have been conducted to investigate the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the results are contradictory. Accordingly, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between these two conditions. The aim was to better understand the risks of MS with prior gestational diabetes.

METHODS

Pubmed, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from September 1, 1979 to July 11, 2013 were searched to identify relevant studies. 17 studies containing 5832 women and 1149 MS events were included. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in analysis for each study using a random-effect or fixed-effect model. We also determined heterogeneity among these 17 articles and their publication bias.

RESULTS

Women with a history of gestational diabetes had a significantly higher risk of MS than those who had a normal pregnancy (OR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.99 to 5.26), but had significant heterogeneity (I (2) = 52.6%). The effect remained robust (OR, 4.54; 95% CI, 3.78-5.46) in the subgroup of Caucasians, but no association (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.64-2.56) was found in Asians. Heterogeneity was reduced (body mass index (BMI) matched group I (2) = 14.2%, BMI higher in the GDM group I (2) = 13.2%) in the subgroup of BMI. In addition, mothers with higher BMI in the GDM group had higher risk of MS than those in the BMI matched group (BMI higher in GDM group OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 4.47-6.50, BMI matched group OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.88-3.41).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated increased risk of MS after gestational diabetes. Therefore, attention should be given to preventing or delaying the onset of MS in GDM mothers, particularly in Caucasian and obese mothers.

Original research: postpartum testing rates among women with a history of gestational diabetes--systematic review

AIMS

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing and 30% have persistent postpartum dysglycemia. Reported compliance with recommended postpartum testing ranges 9-95% without a clear explanation for this wide variation. Small and conflicting differences in testing rates are associated with some demographics (race, use of insulin), but system factors likely play a larger role. A systematic literature review was performed to identify system based factors that could explain the broad variation in postpartum GDM testing rates.

METHODS

Original articles reporting postpartum testing rates among women with GDM were identified within PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews. Articles that did not report rates for the entire GDM cohort were excluded.

RESULTS

54/307 citations met inclusion criteria. The use of proactive patient contact programs increased postpartum testing rates from an average of 33% (range 9-71%) up to 60% (range 14-95%).

CONCLUSIONS

Proactively contacting patients via phone calls, education programs, or postal reminders was associated with higher postpartum testing rates. Rather than working to identifying individual demographic factors, systems based approaches were associated with a larger potential impact, and appear easily generalizable. Clinicians should think beyond individual habits and consider systematic approaches to improving testing rates.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome one year after delivery in Finnish women at increased risk for gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome (MeS) after delivery. We studied the prevalence of MeS at one year postpartum among Finnish women who in early pregnancy were at increased risk of developing GDM.

METHODS

This follow-up study is a part of a GDM prevention trial. At one year postpartum, 150 women (mean age 33.1 years, BMI 27.2 kg/m(2)) were evaluated for MeS.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MeS was 18% according tothe International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and 16% according toNational Cholestrol Education Program (NCEP) criteria. Of MeS components, 74% of participants had an increased waist circumference (≥80 cm). Twenty-seven percent had elevated fasting plasma glucose (≥5.6 mmol/L), and 29% had reduced HDL cholesterol (≤1.3 mmol/L). The odds ratio for the occurrence of MeS at one year postpartum was 3.0 (95% CI 1.0-9.2) in those who were overweight before pregnancy compared to normal weight women.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-fifth of the women with an increased risk of GDM in early pregnancy fulfilled the criteria of MeS at one year postpartum. The most important factor associated with MeS was prepregnancy overweight. Weight management before and during pregnancy is important for preventing MeS after delivery.

Previous gestational diabetes is independently associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness, similarly to metabolic syndrome - a case control study

Background

Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and, consequently, a higher cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to compare the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) from young women with pGDM to those with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to healthy controls (CG) to verify whether a past history of pGDM could be independently associated with increased cIMT.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study performed in two academic referral centers. Seventy-nine women with pGDM, 30 women with MS, and 60 CG aged between 18 and 47 years were enrolled. They all underwent physical examination and had blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), and triglycerides determined. The cIMT was measured by ultrasound in several carotid segments. The primary endpoint was cIMT and clinically relevant parameters included as predictors were: age, systolic blood pressure, waist, BMI, total cholesterol, LDLc, triglycerides, fasting glucose, previous history of GDM as a whole group, previous history of GDM without MS, presence of DM, presence of MS, and parity.

Results

cIMT was significantly higher in pGDM when compared to CG in all sites of measurements (P < 0.05) except for the right common carotid. The pGDM women showed similar cIMT measurements to MS in all sites of measurements, except for the left carotid bifurcation, where it was significantly higher than MS (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis which included classical cardiovascular risk factors and was adjusted for confounders, pGDM was shown to be independently associated with increased composite cIMT (P < 0.01). The pGDM without risk factors further showed similar cIMT to MS (P > 0.05) and an increased cIMT when compared to controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Previous GDM was independently associated with increased composite cIMT in this young population, similarly to those with MS and regardless the presence of established cardiovascular risk factors.

Risk factors of abnormal carbohydrate metabolism after pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

In gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) abnormal glucose metabolism normalizes soon after delivery. However, the history of GDM predisposes to carbohydrate intolerance in the future. The aim of the study was to explore risk factors and to evaluate risk of glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus in women with a history of GDM.

METHODS

155 patients entered this case-control study. Participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria: a history of GDM, perinatal care in the study center. Medical and family history and laboratory findings were analyzed. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed.

RESULTS

18.1% of patients presented impaired fasting glucose during the study, 20% presented impaired glucose tolerance and 23.2% presented diabetes mellitus. Gestational age at diagnosis of GDM, the results of OGTT during pregnancy, serum HbA1c concentration at 2nd and 3rd trimester, serum fructosamine concentration, symptoms of diabetic fetopathy in the neonate, the need for insulin therapy after delivery, maternal age at diagnosis of GDM and maternal body mass index before pregnancy were the significant risk factors of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes in the future.

CONCLUSION

GDM increases the risk of diabetes mellitus. Several risk factors of impaired carbohydrate metabolism can be distinguished in patients with a history of GDM.

Insulin need in gestational diabetes is associated with a worse cardiovascular risk profile after pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treated with insulin are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes after pregnancy compared to mild GDM cases treated with medical nutrition treatment (MNT) alone. We aimed to compare levels of subclinical atherosclerosis markers in women with previous GDM treated with insulin and MNT alone.

METHODS

Eighty-one women with previous GDM (45 treated with insulin, 36 treated with MNT) and 35 age-matched lean controls were included. Fasting glucose, insulin and lipids, circulating fibrinogen, CRP, PAI-1 and IL-6 levels were assayed. Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) was measured.

RESULTS

Women with previous GDM treated with insulin in pregnancy had significantly higher fasting glucose, plasma PAI-1 levels and carotid IMT compared to women treated with MNT alone. In multiple regression analysis, insulin need in pregnancy was associated with increased carotid IMT and plasma PAI-1 levels (corrected for age, BMI, postpartum duration, fasting glucose and lipids; model r(2)=0.132; beta=0.297, p=0.014 for carotid IMT; model r(2)=0.198; beta=0.345, p=0.003 for PAI-1).

CONCLUSION

Women with previous GDM treated with insulin in pregnancy had a worse cardiovascular risk profile compared to mild GDM patients. An intensive preventive approach for cardiovascular disorders is particularly essential for this subgroup of women.