Blood Glucose Levels and Pregnancy Outcome in a High-risk Population

Objectives: UAE pregnant women have a higher prevalence, of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes and gestational diabetes. This justifies outcome mapping in relation to blood sugar. Research Design and Methods: A hundred ninety-eight healthy UAE pregnant women enrolled in primary health care centers in 2010-2011 were followed in the hospital for outcome of pregnancy. Methods: Retrospective chart review, Surveyed exposure variables: demographic data, obstetric history, BMI, Blood pressure, Hemoglobin, early trimester glucose levels fasting and 1hr after breakfast, second trimester OGTT. Primary outcomes were: gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, fetal weight, and baby admission to SCABU or death. Results: A non-significant trend between birth weight and the different glucose levels was found. Surprisingly, small for gestational age babies are seen in mothers with lower 1 hr OGTT. FBS OGTT was associated with the occurrence of pregnancy complications as PET (p<0.012). Only mothers with high BMI and parity appear more likely to have larger babies (p< 0.008, p<0.038). Delivery complications were more common in older women and those with lower parity (p<0.034, p<0.013), GDM was more common in obese women (p<0.033) and 1 hour OGTT with 2 hr OGTT, FBS OGTT and increasing age (p<0.00001, p<0.008, p<0.012). Conclusion: OGTT was not helpful in predicting outcome in this population. Large Birth weight babies were not more common in women with higher glucose levels but obesity was associated with larger babies significantly.