Combined analysis of gestational diabetes and maternal weight status from pre-pregnancy through post-delivery in future development of type 2 diabetes
Ling‐Wei Chen, Shu E Soh, Mya‐Thway Tint, See Ling Loy, Fabian Yap, Kok Hian Tan, Yung Seng Lee, Lynette Pei‐Chi Shek, Keith M. Godfrey, Peter D. Gluckman, Johan G. Eriksson, Yap Seng Chong, Shiao‐Yng Chan
Abstract
We examined the associations of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and women's weight status from pre-pregnancy through post-delivery with the risk of developing dysglycaemia [impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D)] 4-6 years post-delivery. Using Poisson regression with confounder adjustments, we assessed associations of standard categorisations of prospectively ascertained pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity (OWOB), gestational weight gain (GWG) and substantial post-delivery weight retention (PDWR) with post-delivery dysglycaemia (n = 692). Women with GDM had a higher risk of later T2D [relative risk (95% CI) 12.07 (4.55, 32.02)] and dysglycaemia [3.02 (2.19, 4.16)] compared with non-GDM women. Independent of GDM, women with pre-pregnancy OWOB also had a higher risk of post-delivery dysglycaemia. Women with GDM who were OWOB pre-pregnancy and had subsequent PDWR (≥ 5 kg) had 2.38 times (1.29, 4.41) the risk of post-delivery dysglycaemia compared with pre-pregnancy lean GDM women without PDWR. No consistent associations were observed between GWG and later dysglycaemia risk. In conclusion, women with GDM have a higher risk of T2D 4-6 years after the index pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy OWOB and PDWR exacerbate the risk of post-delivery dysglycaemia. Weight management during preconception and post-delivery represent early windows of opportunity for improving long-term health, especially in those with GDM.