Earlier detection of gestational diabetes impacts on medication requirements, neonatal and maternal outcomes
Earlier detection of gestational diabetes impacts on medication requirements, neonatal and maternal outcomes

Earlier detection of gestational diabetes impacts on medication requirements, neonatal and maternal outcomes

Diabetes Obes Metab. 2024 May 3. doi: 10.1111/dom.15633. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Gestational diabetes (GD) is a global health concern with significant implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study investigates the association between early GD (eGD) diagnosis (<24 weeks), pharmacotherapy requirements and adverse neonatal outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 369 pregnant women underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Maternal variables, pharmacotherapy prescriptions and neonatal outcomes were analysed employing t-tests, χ2 tests, and logistic regression. A p < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: Early GD increased the odds of neonatal hypoglycaemia [odds ratio (OR): 18.57, p = .013] and respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 4.75, p = .034). Nutritional therapy prescription by an accredited nutritionist was the most common treatment in women diagnosed after 24 weeks, but those with eGD required more frequently specialized nutritional consulting + metformin to achieve glycaemic control (p = .027). eGD was associated with a higher requirement of nutritional therapy prescription + metformin (OR: 2.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-4.09, p = .007) and with maternal hyperglycaemia during the post-partum period at 2 h of the oral glucose tolerance test (OR: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.13, p = .024).

CONCLUSION: Timely diagnosis and personalized treatment of GD are desirable because an earlier presentation is related to a higher risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.

PMID:38699781 | DOI:10.1111/dom.15633