Postpartum testing for antecedent gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a predictor of glucose intolerance in subsequent pregnancies and in the nongravid state. Many pregnant women are not tested for gestational diabetes, although they or their offspring may show signs suggestive of antecedent hyperglycemia. We examined the diagnostic utility of a postpartum (within 48 hours), 100 gm, oral glucose tolerance test and cord plasma glucose, cord plasma C-peptide, and 2-hour neonatal plasma glucose tests to detect antecedent gestational diabetes in women with documented gestational diabetes (n = 37) or with normal glucose tolerance test results late in the third trimester (n = 28). The 1-hour, 2-hour, and incremental 1-hour + 2-hour [( 1-hour - fasting] + [2-hour - fasting]) [2-hour - fasting]) glucose values of the postpartum glucose tolerance test showed significant differences between study participants with and without gestational diabetes (164 +/- 30 versus 115 +/- 22, 145 +/- 31 versus 101 +/- 21, and 153 +/- 51 versus 67 +/- 33 mg/dl, respectively, p less than 0.025). Maternal fasting and 3-hour postpartum glucose tolerance test glucose, cord plasma glucose, cord plasma C-peptide, and 2-hour neonatal plasma glucose values showed no significant between-group differences. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for these tests indicated that the incremental 1-hour + 2-hour postpartum glucose tolerance test glucose values best sustain test specificity at the low test threshold values necessary for high test sensitivity. A threshold of 110 mg/dl for this test yielded a predicted specificity of 90% and sensitivity of 80% with regard to antecedent gestational diabetes.     

One hour versus two hours postprandial glucose measurement in gestational diabetes: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rate of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), monitored by 1 versus 2 hour-postprandial glucose (PPG) measurements. METHODS: A total of 112 women diagnosed with GDM, by the criteria of Carpenter-Coustan, were included in the study population. Women were recruited from two different treatment settings, but were managed by the same team of health-care professionals using a standardized protocol. Allocation to treatment group was based on treatment setting. Glucose levels were measured fasting, and either 1 hour (1-hour monitoring group-target values <140 mg/dl) or 2 hours (2-hour monitoring group-target values <120 mg/dl) postprandially. Demographic data and perinatal outcomes were collected from their medical records. RESULTS: In all, 66 women were assigned to 1-hour monitoring group (1 h-PPG) and 46 women to 2-hour monitoring group (2 h-PPG). There were no differences in parity, family history of diabetes, rate of GDM in previous pregnancies, weight gain, pregestational BMI and 50-g-glucose challenge test (GCT) and 100-g oral glucose challenge test (OGTT) results. As expected, there was a significant difference in mean blood glucose levels between the two groups (108.1+/-19.2 and 94.9+/-21.2 mg/dl, 1- and 2 hours, respectively, p<0.0001); however, HbA1C levels were similar in the two groups. Perinatal outcomes were defined as gestational week at delivery; fetal weight (3325+/-471 vs 3309+/-608 g, respectively) and percentile (47.2+/-27 vs 49.6+/-30, respectively), and were similar for both groups. Insulin therapy was initiated more frequently in 2-hour monitoring group (28 and 40% of women in groups 1 and 2, respectively; p<0.05). Rates of macrosomia (7.5 versus 10.6%), large for gestational age (7.4 versus 15.2%), and delivery by cesarean section (24 versus 30%) were increased in group 2 (2 h-PPG) but these differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that diet control in women with GDM managed by 1-hour PPG measurements is associated with a decreased rate of insulin therapy. However, neonatal and obstetrical outcomes are not determined by the timing of their glucose determinations.     

Does a High Carbohydrate Preparatory Diet Affect the 3-Hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Pregnancy?

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a high carbohydrate preparatory diet on the performance of the 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OTT) in pregnancy. This prospective clinical trial was performed at a university hospital outpatient obstetric clinic. Gravidas who had an abnormal blood sugar screening test were asked to ingest one of two preparatory diets: ≥ 150g/day of carbohydrate for 3 days (Carbo) or six Snickers? candy bars per day for 3 days (Candy), or to remain on their usual diet (Ad lib) prior to the GTT. A 100g oral OTT was performed after an overnight fast, and blood glucose values were determined at 1, 2, and 3 hours. Patients with either a fasting whole blood glucose > 120 mg/dl or ≥ two abnormal values on the GTT were considered to have gestational diabetes mellitus and received diet therapy. Women who failed diet therapy also received insulin. Our primary outcome parameter was the intergroup incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Other parameters included the mean 1-, 2-, and 3-hour glucose values and the rates of both cesarean delivery and large-for-gestational age infants. Of the 354 women studied, 108 entered the Carbo group, 105 entered the Candy group, and 141 comprised the Ad Lib group. The three groups were comparable with regard to historic and demographic risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus. After the OTT, 29% of the Carbo group were considered to have gestational diabetes mellitus vs. 28% in both the Ad lib and Candy groups (P = 0.98). Additionally, both the mean intergroup fasting, 1-hour, 2-hour, and 3-hour whole blood glucose values and selected clinical outcomes were similar (P = 0.35–0.99). Compared to usual dietary intake, recommending a high carbohydrate diet had a negligible effect on the 100g oral OTT in pregnancy.     

妊娠期糖代谢异常孕妇并发子痫前期的相关因素探讨

目的探讨妊娠期糖代谢异常孕妇子痫前期的发病情况,以及与发病相关的因素。方法回顾性分析1981至2003年23年间,在我院分娩的1202例妊娠期糖代谢异常孕妇的病例资料,其中151例(Ⅰ组)并发子痫前期,1051例(Ⅱ组)未并发子痫前期,分析与子痫前期发病相关的危险因素。结果(1)妊娠期糖代谢异常孕妇子痫前期的发生率为12.6%(151/1202)。其中糖尿病合并妊娠(DM)、妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)、妊娠期糖耐量降低(GIGT)患者中,子痫前期的发生率分别为34.8%(39/112)、11.8%(89/753)、6.8%(23/337),3者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。(2)Ⅰ组孕妇分娩前体重指数(BMI)为(31±4)kg/m2,Ⅱ组为(29±4)kg/m2,两组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P=0.027);Ⅰ组孕期血糖升高出现的时间[(27±11)周]明显早于Ⅱ组[(30±7)周],平均产次也高于Ⅱ组。(3)有不良孕产史、合并慢性高血压者,子痫前期的发生率分别为18.5%(32/173)、41.9%(18/43),明显高于无不良孕产史及慢性高血压者(P=0.03、0.000)。(4)Ⅰ组孕妇的口服50g葡萄糖负荷试验(GCT)、口服75g葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT,空腹、服糖后2、3h)及糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)各值均明显高于Ⅱ组。(5)需要胰岛素治疗者,子痫前期的发生率为15.6%,高于饮食控制者(9.9%,P=0.009);血糖控制不满者子痫前期的发生率为17.0%,明显高于血糖控制满意者(10.0%,P=0.000)。(6)logistic回归分析显示,妊娠期糖代谢异常孕妇合并慢性高血压、HbA1c水平升高为子痫前期发病的独立危险因素。结论不同类型糖代谢异常者,并发子痫前期的发生率存在明显差异,GDM确诊时血糖水平、孕期血糖控制情况等与子痫前期发病存在明显相关性,慢性高血压与糖代谢异常并存,将明显增加子痫前期的发生率。     

Use of glycosylated hemoglobin as a screen for macrosomia in gestational diabetes

Glycosylated hemoglobin and blood sugar levels in the fasting state and two hours after oral 100 g glucose load were measured in 180 patients. Glycosylated hemoglobin was measured by cation exchange column chromatography, and blood sugar was measured by hexokinase reaction. Patients with an elevated postprandial and/or fasting blood sugar level (positive screen) subsequently underwent three-hour glucose tolerance test. The mean value of glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with a negative screen and normal hemoglobin was 6.17 +/- 0.61%; and the value for glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with class A diabetes and normal hemoglobin electrophoresis was 6.85 +/- 0.73% (P less than .001). A glycosylated hemoglobin value greater than 6.78 (mean + 1 SD) was considered elevated. Glycosylated hemoglobin values were elevated in 21 of 33 patients with gestational diabetes and in 27 of 147 patients with normal blood sugar levels. The sensitivity and specificity of glycosylated hemoglobin for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes were 63.6 and 81.6%, respectively. Fifty percent of patients with an initially elevated glycosylated hemoglobin value delivered macrosomic infants, whereas no patient with a normal glycosylated hemoglobin value had a macrosomic infant. An elevated glycosylated hemoglobin value may alert the obstetrician of a potentially elevated mean blood sugar level and may warrant aggressive management of gestational diabetes.     

Clinical usefulness of estimation of serum fructosamine concentration as screening test for gestational diabetes

Serum fructosamine levels and fructosamine/protein ratios were measured in 100 pregnant women who underwent glucose tolerance tests because of clinical risk. Compared with normal pregnant women, the 13 study participants with gestational diabetes had higher fructosamine/protein levels (39 +/- 3.9 mumol/gm versus 37 +/- 3.2 mumol/gm, p less than 0.05), fasting serum glucose levels (107 +/- 13.7 mg/dl versus 82 +/- 8.6 mg/dl, p less than 0.001), and area under curve of glucose tolerance test (36 +/- 5 gm x min x dl-1 versus 22 +/- 3.6 gm x min x dl-1, p less than 0.001). The serum fructosamine levels were not significantly different between the two groups of participants (2.3 +/- 0.26 mmol/L versus 2.2 +/- 0.17 mmol/L); 10 of the 13 women with diabetes had a fructosamine/protein ratio within 2 SD of the mean of the groups of normal pregnant women. Spontaneous caloric intakes (r = 0.72, p less than 0.005) and the hospital mean daily capillary glucose levels during diabetic diet (r = 0.72, p less than 0.005) correlated better with the fructosamine/protein ratio than with fasting serum glucose levels (r = 0.58, p less than 0.05) and area under curve (r = 0.57, p less than 0.05). Consequently, serum fructosamine and fructosamine/protein ratio levels should be considered insensitive as a screening test in pregnant patients with clinical risk of gestational diabetes.     

Influence of the degree of carbohydrate metabolism imbalance in gestational diabetes on pregnancy and newborns condition

The aim of our study was the evaluation of the correlation between carbohydrate metabolism imbalance at the moment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis and regulation of glycemia during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, time and mode of delivery and conditions of the newborns. MATERIAL: 231 women with GDM delivered in our hospital between 1993-1996 were investigated. This population was divided into 6 groups, according to glycemia levels. METHOD: The term of diagnosis of the GDM, medical treatment (diet or diet and insulin), the degree of metabolic regulation archived, mode and time of delivery, as well as state of newborns were analysed. RESULTS: In groups I and VI we noticed the greatest percentage of patients treated with insulin (68%, 67%), versus 26% in group II and 17% in group III. In group VI in all cases treated with insulin we begun this therapy shortly after marking GDM. Glycemia in 24 hrs period after GDM diagnosis in group I were 122.7 +/- 28.6 mg/dl, in group VI 112.0 +/- 23.6 mg/dl, while we noticed 90.3 +/- 15.6 mg/dl in group II and 87.7 +/- 15.9 mg/dl in group III. Blood glucose level < 100 mg/dl in first determination of 24 hrs profiles we noticed in 5% in group I, 2% in group VI while 20% in group II and 51% in group III. Average levels of glycemia in last 24 hrs profiles before delivery in group I were 93.0 +/- 15.8 mg/dl, in group VI 96.2 +/- 21.1 mg/dl while 87.8 +/- 13.5 mg/dl in group II and 86.8 +/- 14.1 mg/dl in group III. Blood glucose level < 100 mg/dl of daily profile before the end of pregnancy was discovered in 8% in group I, 47% in group III. The greatest amount of complications (pregnancy induced hypertension and imminent premature delivery) was diagnosed in group VI-75% and in group III-55%. Surgical delivery took place in group I in 50%, in group V in 46%, in group VI in 67% while 17% in group II, 35% in group III and 30% in group IV. Macrosomy of newborns (> 4000 g) was diagnosed in group I in 36% in group V in 23% and in group VI in 42% while 9%, 6% and 15% in groups, II, III and IV respectively. The condition of newborns in the 1st minute of life was determined as good (8-10 points in Apgar scale) in significant percentage, in 87%, 75%, 70% in groups II, III, IV while only 59%, 62%, 58% in groups I, V, VI respectively. CONCLUSION: Serious intensification of carbohydrates metabolism disorders at the moment of diagnosing GDM, such as fasting glycemia > 140 mg/dl and the result after 2 hours > 200 mg/dl in 75 g OGTT more often requires insulin treating connect with numerous difficulties both in pregnancy monitoring and also has inadventageous influence on obstetrics outcomes-increasing percentage of surgery deliveries and macrosomies, that change the condition of newborns for worse.     

Results of screening tests for gestational diabetes mellitus at Medical University in Warsaw

Our purpose was to determine the incidence of screening for gestational diabetes among the population of women delivering at I and II Departments of the First Faculty of Medical University in Warsaw. A retrospective review of 647 pregnancies was performed. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus screening was determined and the rate of occurrence of GDM analyzed. 310 (48%) pregnancies were screened for gestational diabetes mellitus with a 1-hour, 50 gm oral glucose challenge test. 49 (16.07%) of the screens had positive results at a plasma glucose level of > 139 mg/dl. Two-hour 75 gm oral glucose tolerance tests (according to the 1994 World Health Organization panel recommendations) were performed on screen-positive women, eleven of whom (22.45%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Despite of positive oral 50 gm glucose test, (plasma glucose level 140-179 mg/l) 15 women (30%) haven't had the 75 gm oral glucose test. The incidence of GDM among analyzed population is 4% and when GDM screening is carried out, exceeds 7%. Early gestational glucose screening, if performed, may be beneficial in detecting gestational diabetes. Consideration should be given to fulfill it more frequently and for sure, repeat glucose testing in patients with positive one-hour screening tests.     

Patterns of congenital anomalies and relationship to initial maternal fasting glucose levels in pregnancies complicated by type 2 and gestational diabetes

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the types of congenital anomalies affecting infants of women with gestational diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes and to examine the relationship between those malformation types and measures of initial glycemia of women at entry into prenatal care with type 2 diabetes or at time of diagnosis in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 4,180 pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 3764) or type 2 diabetes (n = 416) that were delivered after 20 weeks of gestation were reviewed for the presence of congenital malformations diagnosed before hospital discharge. Anomalies were categorized as being absent, minor, major, genetic syndromes, or aneuploidies. Major anomalies were further categorized by the number and type of affected organ systems. In addition to maternal clinical and historical parameters, the initial fasting serum glucose either from the diagnostic glucose tolerance test (gestational diabetes mellitus) or at entry to prenatal care (type 2 diabetes) and the initial glycosylated hemoglobin before insulin therapy were examined for a relationship to anomalies. RESULTS: The initial fasting serum glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in pregnancies with major (n = 143) and minor (n = 112) anomalies and genetic syndromes (n = 9) compared with pregnancies with no anomalies (n = 3895). Of those pregnancies with major anomalies, the most commonly affected organ systems were the cardiac (37.6%), musculoskeletal (14.7%), and central nervous systems (9.8%) and anomalies involving multiple organ systems (16%). There was no increased predominance of any specific organ system involvement seen with increasing fasting serum glucose levels in pregnancies with major congenital anomalies. Pregnancies with major anomalies affecting multiple organ systems had significantly higher initial fasting serum glucose levels (166 +/- 64 mg/dL) compared with pregnancies in which one organ system was affected (141 +/- 55 mg/dL, P <.04) or no organ systems were affected (115 +/- 38 mg/dL, P <.0001). CONCLUSION: Congenital anomalies in offspring of women with gestational and type 2 diabetes affect the same organ systems that have been previously described in pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes. Increasing hyperglycemia at diagnosis or presentation for care was associated with an increasing risk of anomalies in general and with anomalies involving multiple organ systems without a preferential increase in involvement of specific organ system.     

Verified self-monitored blood glucose data versus glycosylated hemoglobin and glycosylated serum protein as a means of predicting short- and long-term metabolic control in gestational diabetes

Glycosylated hemoglobin and glycosylated serum protein have been suggested as tools for evaluation of long- and short-term glycemic control, respectively. Twenty-six patients with gestational diabetes were prospectively studied to determine the relationship of glycosylated hemoglobin and glycosylated serum protein to metabolic control. To verify the accuracy of blood glucose data, a memory-based reflectance meter was used for subjects with gestational diabetes who tested 6.5 +/- 1 times per day. Our analysis revealed that despite a statistically positive correlation between glycosylated hemoglobin, glycosylated serum protein, and verified data, their use as a clinical tool is limited because of their poor predictability.     

Recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of several maternal and neonatal variables on the recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 90 of our patients whose index pregnancy was complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and whose subsequent pregnancy was also managed at our institution. RESULTS: Forty-seven women (52%) had a recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus in their subsequent pregnancy. These 47 women had an increased body mass index (BMI) (32.8 +/- 8.2 versus 28.9 +/- 7.2 kg/m2; P < .03) and more large for gestational age (LGA) neonates (38 versus 14%; P < .05) and more of them required insulin during their index pregnancy (38 versus 19%; P < .05) than did those who did not have a recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus. Women who developed a recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus also had higher fasting (P < .05), 1-hour, 2-hour, and total glucose tolerance test values (P < or = .01) during their index pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus who have a BMI greater than 35 kg/m2, whose previous newborn was LGA, and who required insulin during their previous pregnancy are at increased risk for recurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.     

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in pregnant diabetic patients

The efficacy of the insulin infusion pump (CSII) in pregnancy was examined in 12 diabetic patients and compared with intermittent insulin therapy (IIT). In patients poorly controlled on IIT constant and rapid equilibrium was achieved with CSII (mean of glucose levels: CSII versus IIT = 84 versus 137 mg/dl; S.D. = 36 versus 63 mg/dl; mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) = 65 versus 112 mg/dl. In patients well controlled on IIT, CSII led to a reduction in the variation of glucose excursions (S.D. = 29 versus 36 mg/dl; MAGE = 48 versus 76 mg/dl). CSII generally produced a reduction of 20-37 per cent of daily insulin dose (in three cases there was an increase of dose with the achievement of glycemic control). Furthermore in CSII treated-patients amniotic glucose, insulin and C-peptide concentrations were found to be in the normal range (22.1 +/- 10.1 mg/dl; 5.2 +/- 2.7 microU/ml; 1.25 +/- 0.71 ng/ml, respectively). All infants were born at or near-term, had no macrosomia or neonatal problems. It is concluded that CSII is a highly efficient way to achieve normal glucose levels in pregnancy, not only in type I, but also in type II or gestational diabetes.     

糖化血红蛋白在妊娠期糖尿病诊断中的意义

目的:探讨糖化血红蛋白在妊娠期糖尿病(GDM)诊断中的意义。方法:对正常妊娠组44例、糖耐量异常组26例及糖尿病组28例进行空腹血糖(FPG)、糖化血红蛋白(HbAlc)及口服50g葡萄糖筛查试验(GCT)测定。结果:GDM组FPG、GCT、HbAlc较正常妊娠组均显著增高(P<0.05)。正常妊娠组与糖耐量异常组比较,FPG及GCT无差异(P>0.05)。GDM组FPG、GCT、HbAlc阳性率分别为42.9%、89.3%和92.9%。GDM的并发症随HbAlc的增高而增多。结论:HbAlc在妊娠期糖尿病的筛查诊断及并发症的检测方面有一定的意义。     

Neonatal morbidity in pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus: predictive value of maternal glycemic profiles

The relationship between glycemic control and perinatal outcome was assessed in a relatively uniform population of 75 White Class B through D pregnant diabetic women. All patients used glucose reflectance meter self-monitoring and performed a minimum of four determinations daily. Mean capillary blood glucose was calculated from a minimum of 16 weeks of determinations. Regression analysis confirmed a correlation between these values and third-trimester hemoglobin A1 (p less than 0.001). The study population was divided into two groups on the basis of mean capillary blood glucose values: group I, mean capillary blood glucose less than 110 mg/dl (43 patients) (mean = 96.8 +/- 7.1); group II, mean capillary blood glucose greater than 110 mg/dl (32 patients) (mean = 126 +/- 9.0). Of the 32 patients in group II, eight had mean capillary blood glucose greater than or equal to 130 mg/dl. The degree of maternal glycemic control appeared to affect perinatal outcome. At least one form of infant morbidity was present in 33% of group I infants compared with 53% of group II. Significant differences were observed for the incidence of hypoglycemia (p less than 0.05), macrosomia (p less than 0.05), and respiratory distress syndrome (p less than 0.01). One of six group I infants delivered at 35 to 36 weeks developed respiratory distress syndrome, compared with four of seven group II patients. The appearance of phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid appeared delayed in group II patients at term. These data suggest that maintaining mean capillary blood glucose values less than 110 mg/dl may serve to reduce several major forms of morbidity in the infant of the diabetic mother. This information is helpful in establishing objectives for glycemic control in pregnant women using self-monitoring techniques.     

Accelerated starvation in late pregnancy: a comparison between obese women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

We compared the glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, and 3-hydroxybutyrate responses to a briefly extended overnight fast during the third trimester of pregnancy between two groups: obese women with normal glucose tolerance (n = 10) and age- and weight-matched women with gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 10). After a 12-hour overnight fast, plasma glucose (95 +/- 4 vs. 78 +/- 2 mg/dl; p less than 0.01), insulin (32 +/- 5 vs. 17 +/- 2 microU/ml; p less than 0.02), and free fatty acid (860 +/- 63 vs. 639 +/- 79 mmol/L; p less than 0.05) levels were higher in the patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. 3-Hydroxybutyrate levels were similar in the two groups at that time (0.23 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.18 +/- 0.03 mmol/L; p greater than 0.3). When the fast was extended to 18 hours by having the patients skip breakfast, glucose levels fell more rapidly in the group with gestational diabetes mellitus but remained elevated compared with the nondiabetic women. Insulin levels declined at a similar rate in the two groups. Free fatty acid levels did not increase significantly in the group with gestational diabetes mellitus during the extended fast. In contrast, free fatty acid levels increased by 44% in the normal pregnant women, reaching the level observed in the group with gestational diabetes mellitus after 18 hours. 3-Hydroxybutyrate levels remained virtually identical in the two groups throughout the brief fast. Thus, compared with that of normal pregnant women, the response of obese women with gestational diabetes mellitus to brief caloric deprivation during late pregnancy was characterized by a greater fall in plasma glucose values without a greater propensity to ketosis. Our findings may have important implications for the dietary management of obese patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.     

The correlations of glycosylated serum protein and glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations with blood glucose in diabetic pregnancy

The usefulness of concentrations of glycosylated serum protein and glycosylated hemoglobin in monitoring glycemic control during pregnancy complicated by diabetes was evaluated by correlation of these parameters with fasting and 2-hour postprandial glucose concentrations of the previous 7 days. Glycosylated serum protein correlated with both fasting (r = 0.798, p less than 0.01, n = 71) and postprandial (r = 0.846, p less than 0.01, n = 69) blood glucose concentrations. Glycosylated hemoglobin also correlated with fasting (r = 0.571, p less than 0.01, n = 71) and postprandial (r = 0.510, p less than 0.01, n = 74) blood glucose concentrations. Monitoring glycosylated serum protein during pregnancy complicated by diabetes is clinically feasible and allows frequent reappraisal of diabetic control.     

Glycosylated serum protein level as a screening and diagnostic test for gestational diabetes mellitus

Glycosylated serum protein assay was examined as an alternative to standard glucose screening and glucose tolerance testing. In a comparison of two groups of gravid women having abnormal 1-hour 50 gm glucose screening tests, there was no difference in glycosylated protein level in the group with abnormal glucose tolerance test results (9.4% +/- 2.0%, mean +/- SD; n = 8) versus normal results (9.2% +/- 1.07%, mean +/- SD; n = 11). Furthermore, correlation of glycosylated serum protein level with glucose screening test results was poor (r = 0.185, p = 0.23, n = 17). Glycosylated serum protein assay is not useful in detecting mild metabolic aberrations associated with gestational diabetes.     

Gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal death in Mozambique: an incident case-referent study

BACKGROUND: Third trimester fetal death is a common problem in Mozambique, occurring in approximately 5% of parturient women. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the magnitude of the gestational diabetes mellitus problem, and to estimate its prevalence in a group of women with unexplained late fetal deaths and in women with live fetuses (referents). METHODS: An incident case-referent study of 109 pregnant Mozambican women with fetal deaths and 110 women delivering liveborns, regarding fasting B-glucose, oral glucose tolerance test and glycosylated hemoglobin. RESULT: The difference in gestational diabetes mellitus prevalence in the two groups is not significant. The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was high in both groups: 11% and 7%, respectively.     

Clinical predictors for a high risk for the development of diabetes mellitus in the early puerperium in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify which maternal, antepartum, or neonatal clinical parameters were predictive for a high risk of diabetes mellitus in the puerperium in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus and to calculate the associated diabetes mellitus rates and odds ratios. STUDY DESIGN: One thousand six hundred thirty-six women underwent an oral glucose tolerance test within 1 to 4 months of delivery. Demographic, historic, and antenatal glycemic parameters and neonatal outcome parameters were tested by univariate and multivariate logistic regression for risk of postpartum diabetes mellitus. Continuous variables were divided into quartiles that compared the upper to lower quartile adjusted odds ratio and prevalence of diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Postpartum diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in 230 women (14.1%) according to the American Diabetes Association criteria (1997). No maternal demographic or neonatal parameters were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus. The final model of independent predictors in decreasing significance included the highest fasting plasma glucose level during pregnancy, any fasting plasma glucose level of > or = 105 mg/dL (class A(2)), the area under the curve of pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test, gestational age at diagnosis, previous gestational diabetes mellitus history, and 50-g glucose challenge test results. The fasting plasma glucose level was the best discriminator, with a 21-fold (95% CI, 4.6-96.3) increased odds ratio comparing the 4th quartile (fasting plasma glucose level, >121 mg/dL; diabetes mellitus rate, 36.7%) to 1st quartile (fasting plasma glucose level, < 95 mg/dL; diabetes mellitus rate, 0.5%). The presence of previous gestational diabetes mellitus or current class A(2) gestational diabetes mellitus approximately doubled the odds ratio for diabetes mellitus. The odds ratio increased 3- to 4-fold when the area under the curve was > or = 33.36 min small middle dot g/dL (4th quartile) or the glucose challenge test was > or = 155 mg/dL (2nd-4th quartiles) and decreased > 50% if gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed at > 27 weeks (3rd-4th quartile). CONCLUSION: During pregnancy, the highest fasting glucose level, followed by the severity of glucose intolerance, and earlier gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis were the best predictors for postpartum diabetes mellitus. Diabetic education should begin during pregnancy, especially for women who are identified to be at a high risk when they are highly motivated and under medical care.     

C-peptide and insulin levels at 24-30 weeks' gestation: an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: The hypothesis was that fasting C-peptide and insulin values, during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), might allow an estimation of the increased risk for gestational hypertension (GH) and fetal macrosomia. STUDY DESIGN: Two-hundred and six consecutive patients were submitted to an OGTT. Thirty-five developed gestational hypertension and 29 delivered large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns. Plasma glucose levels (mg/dl) and insulin levels (microU/ml) were measured fasting and after 60, 120 and 180 min C-peptide fasting levels (ng/ml) were also measured. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were excluded, 181 were enrolled. According to the OGTT, 143 patients were classified as normal, 26 were found affected by gestational diabetes (GD) mellitus, and 12 had impaired gestational glucose tolerance (IGGT). Hypertensive women exhibited higher 60 and 120 min insulin values than the normotensive group (128.3+/-69.9 microU/ml versus 86.2+/-58.3 microU/ml, P<0.05; 104.9+/-66.4 microU/ml versus 78.7+/-56.5 microU/ml, P<0.05).C-peptide cut-off at 2.9 ng/ml resulted predictive for patients delivering large-for-gestational-age newborns (OR=3.42, 95% CI=1.59-7.39). CONCLUSIONS: C-peptide and insulin may be used as indicators of risk for the development of complications in late pregnancy.