Relationship between the IADPSG-criteria-defined abnormal glucose values and adverse pregnancy outcomes among women having gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study

To explore the influence of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on pregnancy outcomes and to determine the risk factors for adverse outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who had GDM and were treated between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. The diagnostic criteria for GDM were proposed by the International Diabetes and Pregnancy Research Organization (IADPSG) in 2010. Women with GDM were stratified according to the number of abnormal OGTT values or the presence/absence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal characteristics, OGTT values, pregnancy outcomes, and the relationship between the latter 2 were analyzed. In total, 3221 pregnant women with GDM were included. The incidence of adverse outcomes was affected by maternal age (28–37 years, in particular; odds ratio [OR], 1.403; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.037–1.899; P = .028), days of pregnancy (OR, 0.904; 95% CI, 0.894–0.914; P < .001), gestational weight gain (OR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.000–1.036;, P = .048), and age of menarche (OR, 0.925; 95% CI, 0.863–0.992; P = .029). Both fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h OGTT were positively correlated with adverse outcomes, of which FPG was more predictive (FPG: OR, 1.143; 95% CI, 1.007–1.297; P = .038; 2-h OGTT: OR, 1.074; 95% CI, 1.018–1.133; P = .009). Meanwhile, higher abnormal OGTT values were associated with significantly increased risks of antenatal insulin treatment, cesarean delivery, premature delivery, gestational hypertension, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, macrosomia, neonatal asphyxia, and full term low weight infants. OGTT values and the number of abnormal glucose are associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes. Stratified management is recommended for pregnant women with GDM, especially those with fasting hyperglycemia and/or 3 abnormal OGTT values.