Impact of Poor Blood Sugar Control on Pregnancy Outcomes in Diabetic Women
Author Information
Author(s): Melanie E Inkster, Tom P Fahey, Peter T Donnan, Graham P Leese, Gary J Mires, Deirdre J Murphy
Primary Institution: Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Dundee
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between glycated haemoglobin levels and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Conclusion
Poor glycaemic control in women with diabetes is associated with significantly increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Twelve studies reported an increased risk of congenital malformations with poor glycaemic control.
- The pooled odds ratio for congenital malformations was 3.44.
- Four studies reported a pooled odds ratio of 3.23 for miscarriage associated with poor glycaemic control.
- Perinatal mortality was associated with poor glycaemic control, with a pooled odds ratio of 3.03.
Takeaway
If a woman with diabetes doesn't keep her blood sugar levels in check during pregnancy, it can lead to serious problems for both her and her baby.
Methodology
A systematic review of observational studies was conducted to analyze the relationship between glycated haemoglobin levels and pregnancy outcomes.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias and residual confounding were noted due to the observational nature of the studies.
Limitations
The studies varied in definitions of poor and optimal control, and many did not adjust for confounding factors.
Participant Demographics
The studies included women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes from various countries, with sample sizes ranging from 83 to 2459.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 2.30 to 5.15
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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