‘Early gestational diabetes affects about one in five pregnant women’, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• A study of over 3,000 women at seven antenatal clinics found that early Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects approximately one in five pregnant women.
• The STRiDE study, conducted in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Puducherry, showed early GDM prevalence at 21.5% and late GDM at 19.5%.
• Early GDM is diagnosed before 20 weeks of pregnancy, while late GDM is typically diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks.
• Women with early GDM showed higher early-pregnancy weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and HbA1c.

Detailed Insights:

• The STRiDE study aimed to develop a risk scoring system to predict late GDM in early pregnancy using fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels.
• Early GDM is associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes later in life compared to late GDM, indicating the need for early screening and intervention.
• The study highlights the need for further research to determine the optimal timing and type of GDM testing, as well as effective treatment methodologies to improve outcomes for both mother and fetus.
• In India, GDM rates are significantly higher (three to four times) than in Western countries, suggesting the need for broader screening beyond just women with a family history.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Glucose intolerance first diagnosed during pregnancy.
• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Blood glucose level measured after a period of fasting, used to assess glucose metabolism.
• HbA1c: A blood test that reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of body fat based on height and weight.