Comprehensive intensive therapy for Chinese gestational diabetes benefits both newborns and mothers

Abstract

Objective: This study identified the impact of intensive therapy on neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and determined the effects on the postpartum metabolic status of the mothers.

Research design and methods: In total, 127 pregnant women with GDM were randomly selected to receive an intensive treatment regimen, which included one-to-one education, lifestyle intervention, scheduled clinic visits, strict glucose control, and frequent glucose self-monitoring. Meanwhile, 148 age-matched pregnant women with GDM were selected as controls and given the standard treatment regimen. Pregnancy outcomes including parameters related to the GDM mothers and to their neonates were comparatively analyzed between the two treatment groups. GDM patient follow-up (range, 1-3 years after delivery) included an oral glucose tolerance test and measurements of lipid concentration and insulin secretion. The insulinogenic index (ΔInsulin(30 min)/ΔBlood glucose(30 min)) and homeostasis model assessment index of β-cell function and insulin resistance were calculated. The patients' demographic and anthropometric data were also recorded for comparative analysis.

Results: Compared with GDM patients receiving standard treatment, GDM patients receiving intensive treatment had lower instances of premature delivery (2.4% vs. 8.3%, P<0.05) and neonatal care unit admission (21.3% vs. 33.3%, P<0.05) and lower neonatal birth weight (3.26±0.53 vs. 3.45±0.55 kg, P<0.0001). At follow-up, GDM patients from the intensive treatment group had a smaller waist circumference (75.83±3.11 vs. 78.34±4.20 cm, P<0.01), lower 30-min glucose levels after a 75-g glucose load (8.26±1.85 vs. 9.46±2.74 mmol/L, P<0.05), and higher high-density lipoprotein levels (1.30±0.24 vs. 1.18±0.23 mmol/L, P<0.05).

Conclusions: The intensive GDM treatment regimen led to healthier outcomes for the women, the neonates, and the birth event and was associated with better maternal metabolic situations in the months and years after delivery.