Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Large Population of Women Living in Spain: Implications for Preventative Strategies

Abstract

The aim of this study is to establish a risk appraisal model for GDM by identifying modifiable factors that can help predict the risk of GDM in a large population of 2194 women living in Spain. They were recruited between 2009-2010 when screening for GDM was performed. Participants completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, anthropomorphic and behavioral characteristics, and reproductive and medical history. A total of 213 (9.7%) women were diagnosed as having GDM. Age, pregestational body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI), and number of events of medical, obstetric and family history were significantly associated with GDM. After logistic regression model, biscuits and pastries intake <4 times/week, red and processed meats intake <6 servings/week, sugared drinks <4 servings/week, light walking >30 minutes/day, and 30 minutes/day of sports at least 2 days/week, compared with opposite consumption, was associated with less GDM risk. Our study identified several pregestational modifiable lifestyle risk factors associated with an increase in the risk of developing GDM. This may represent a promising approach for the prevention of GDM and subsequent complications. Further intervention studies are needed to evaluate if this appraisal model of risk calculation can be useful for prevention and treatment of GDM.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: a Spanish Multicenter Study

“…We remark the low prevalence of obstetric comorbidities observed in our study population. Specifically, regarding GDM, it has been well-demonstrated that age, BMI, and multiparity are important risk factors for its development [18][19][20], and a recent publication estimated a prevalence of 8.8-11.6 %, depending on the criteria used [21]. However, our study agrees with other previous reports in which lower rates of GDM were accounted in obese women whose pregnancy followed BS, in comparison to women whose obesity was only managed conservatively [11,22].…”

Lifestyle patterns in early pregnancy linked to gestational diabetes mellitus diagnoses when using IADPSG criteria. The St Carlos gestational study

“…Our data indicate that weight gain in the first half of gestation continues to represent a crucial risk factor that is associated with lifestyle during this phase. Our group, using CCc for diagnosis of GDM, previously identified several pre-gestational modifiable lifestyle risk factors, but none in early pregnancy [13]. Nor have we found an association between gestational food consumption or exercise and GDM risk in the current study, when using CCc.…”

“…However, the impact of lifestyle has yet to be fully established. Nutritional risk factors for GDM using the previous CCc include prepregnancy diets with a high intake of red meat, as well as foods with a low -fiber content, and/or a high glycemic load, as well as an elevated consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and juices, as compared with the opposite [9e12] as we have previously reported [9,13]. Yet nutritional patterns in early pregnancy were not associated with a risk of GDM.…”

“…The information was collected using a semi-quantitative frequent food consumption questionnaire, as previously described [5,9,13], to assess EPL during the first prenatal visit and at the time of screening for GDM at 24e28 week of gestation. The participants completed the questionnaire under the supervision of a trained nurse.…”

Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…First, lifestyle patterns, such as physical activity and dietary habits that may influence the development of the GDM [27], were not included. Second, the sample size of the study was not large enough to achieve the threshold of the risk predictors.…”