7 Dec 2023 • It remains unclear how the condition of glucose metabolism during pregnancy affects fetal outcomes. A study aimed to investigate the associations of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and elevated glucose levels at each time point during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with congenital heart disease (CHD) risk in offspring.

• GDM and elevated glucose levels during the OGTT at different time points (0 h ≥ 5.1 mmol/L, 1 h ≥ 10 mmol/L, and 2 h ≥ 8.5 mmol/L) were linked to a significantly increased risk of congenital heart disease in offspring.
• The highest risk seen was seen when abnormalities were present at all three time points.

These findings held across diverse maternal demographics, urging CHD screening in fetuses of women with GDM.

Source: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth | Read full story