Can maternal hypoglycemia during oral glucose tolerance test predict adverse pregnancy outcomes?
Can maternal hypoglycemia during oral glucose tolerance test predict adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Can maternal hypoglycemia during oral glucose tolerance test predict adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Endocr Pract. 2025 Aug 5:S1530-891X(25)00992-9. doi: 10.1016/j.eprac.2025.08.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether pregnant women with hypoglycemia during the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23,576 women who underwent a 75-g OGTT at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Hypoglycemia was defined as at least one glucose value <3.9 mmol/L. Maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between hypoglycemic and normoglycemic groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate APO risks, and the dose-response relationship between hypoglycemia severity and APOs was assessed.

RESULTS: The hypoglycemia incidence was 7.07%. Hypoglycemic women were younger (P < 0.001) and had lower body mass indexes (BMIs) (P < 0.001). Their neonates had lower birth weights, reduced rates of large for gestational age (LGA) and macrosomia (all P < 0.001), but higher rates of low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) (both P < 0.01). Logistic regression showed hypoglycemia was protective against LGA and macrosomia (both P < 0.001) but detrimental to LBW and SGA (both P < 0.01). After adjusting for confounders, hypoglycemia remained significantly associated with LGA, macrosomia, and SGA (all P < 0.05). A comparative analysis of hypoglycemia severity further revealed a strong positive trend for SGA and a negative trend for LGA (both P for trend < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia during 2-hour 75-g OGTT correlates with neonatal birth weight and incidences of LGA, macrosomia, and SGA. Pregnant women with OGTT-detected hypoglycemia require close monitoring to mitigate adverse perinatal outcomes.

PMID:40774616 | DOI:10.1016/j.eprac.2025.08.001