Saleha Aziz1, Tazeen Fatima Munim2, Syeda Sadia Fatima3. 1. a Medical College, Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan. 2. b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Abassi Shaheed Hospital , Karachi , Pakistan. 3. c Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences , Aga Khan University , Karachi , Pakistan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite the recommendations for postpartum blood glucose monitoring post gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); scientific evidence reveals that these recommendations may not be fully complied to. This study aimed to follow-up women up to 2 years post-delivery with pregnancies complicated by GDM and healthy controls to assess this fact. METHODS: Women with GDM (n = 78) and normal glucose tolerant (n = 89) delivered in 2014 were followed up for 2 years. They were informed and enquired via telephone about their blood glucose screening, physical activity, postpartum complications, and current weight status of mother and baby. RESULTS: Women with previous GDM were older and reported higher body weight 2 years post-delivery. At the 2 year follow-up, n = 11 (14.1%) participants had developed diabetes, all with previous GDM. Both weight at birth (3.8 ± 0.5 kg) and at 2-year (10.7 ± 2.3 kg) for the babies born to GDM mothers was significantly higher than the NGT group babies (2.6 ± 0.63 and 7.1 ± 1.4 kg; p < .05). Only 27 women regularly opted for T2DM screening via monitoring blood glucose or HbA1c levels postpartum. The top reason for failed screening included: believing that GDM would disappear after delivery, and being occupied with the baby. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of T2DM in women with previous GDM is an alarming finding. Given this trend, systematic follow-up programs are needed to reduce obesity and diabetes risk.
BACKGROUND: Despite the recommendations for postpartum blood glucose monitoring post gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); scientific evidence reveals that these recommendations may not be fully complied to. This study aimed to follow-up women up to 2 years post-delivery with pregnancies complicated by GDM and healthy controls to assess this fact. METHODS:Women with GDM (n = 78) and normal glucose tolerant (n = 89) delivered in 2014 were followed up for 2 years. They were informed and enquired via telephone about their blood glucose screening, physical activity, postpartum complications, and current weight status of mother and baby. RESULTS:Women with previous GDM were older and reported higher body weight 2 years post-delivery. At the 2 year follow-up, n = 11 (14.1%) participants had developed diabetes, all with previous GDM. Both weight at birth (3.8 ± 0.5 kg) and at 2-year (10.7 ± 2.3 kg) for the babies born to GDM mothers was significantly higher than the NGT group babies (2.6 ± 0.63 and 7.1 ± 1.4 kg; p < .05). Only 27 women regularly opted for T2DM screening via monitoring blood glucose or HbA1c levels postpartum. The top reason for failed screening included: believing that GDM would disappear after delivery, and being occupied with the baby. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of T2DM in women with previous GDM is an alarming finding. Given this trend, systematic follow-up programs are needed to reduce obesity and diabetes risk.
Authors: Maria Helmersen; Monica Sørensen; Mirjam Lukasse; Hely Katariina Laine; Lisa Garnweidner-Holme Journal: Scand J Prim Health Care Date: 2021-02-08 Impact factor: 2.581