A study presented at the 26th European Congress of Endocrinology in Stockholm highlighted the correlation between higher blood sugar levels at the time of gestational diabetes diagnosis and an increased risk of birth-related complications.
Studies have shown that for every 5 mg/dL above the diagnostic threshold for gestational diabetes, the chances that the baby will be hypoglycemic or be born larger than average increase by 9% and 6%, respectively. In addition, the chances that the mother will develop diabetes after birth increase by 31%. These results highlight the need for more nuanced classification of women with gestational diabetes to reduce the risks for both mother and child.
Gestational diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy and affects approximately 20 million pregnancies worldwide each year. The condition poses increased health risks for both the mother and the infant. For example, mothers with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes and delivering babies with high birth weight, which can lead to birth injuries and obesity in the future. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes is confirmed when fasting blood glucose levels exceed 92 mg/dL during the first trimester or 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels exceed 153 mg/dL during the second trimester.
In a comprehensive analysis from Portugal's Tamega e Sousa Hospital Center, researchers looked at the relationship between blood sugar levels and birth outcomes in 6,927 pregnant women aged 30 to 37 who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes between 2012 and 2017.
The study found that a 5 mg/dL increase in blood glucose was associated with a 9% increased risk of neonatal hypoglycemia and a 6% increased likelihood of high birth weight. For mothers, the risk of postpartum hyperglycemia was 31% higher.
“The association between elevated blood glucose levels and adverse outcomes for mothers and infants is well established, but our study quantifies the increased risk for every 5 mg/dL increase in blood glucose at the time of initial diagnosis of gestational diabetes,” said co-lead investigator Catalina Cidade Rodrigues.
Cidade Rodrigues added: “Using our data, health professionals can now identify and stratify women at high risk of complications. Our next step is to further stratify these high-risk groups and evaluate the benefits of ensuring more intensive monitoring and timely drug intervention. This approach aims to minimize complications during birth, improve newborn health and prevent the development of maternal diabetes after birth.”
