Increased obesity explains the increased prevalence of gestational diabetes

Background Maternal overweight or obesity and older age are important risk factors for gestational diabetes (GDM).

The aim of the study was to examine the changes in prevalence and the most common risk factors for GDM in the area of the Hospital District of Southwest Finland (VSSHP) between the years 2010 and 2020.

Methods Data were gathered retrospectively from the register of the VSSHP patient management system (iPana).

Results The total number of deliveries was 5031 in 2010 and 3774 in 2020. The prevalence of GDM (15.6 vs 25.7%), the median age (30.1 vs 31.0 years) and the median body mass index (BMI) (23.4 vs 24.4 kg/m2) of expecting mothers and the number of caesarean deliveries (14.5% vs 17.4%) increased between the two time points (p-values < 0.001). There was also an increase in the median age (31.0 vs 32.1 years) and BMI (27.0 vs 28.0 kg/m2) among women diagnosed with GDM. The proportion of women participating in an oral glucose test increased (63.7% vs 76.1%; p-values < 0.001). The birth weight of babies of women with GDM did not increase (3530 vs 3550 g; p-value 0.858).

Conclusions The prevalence of gestational diabetes has increased over the past decade. The increased prevalence of GDM and the increase in the number of screened women are likely related to older age and maternal overweight and obesity. It is remarkable that the birth weights of the babies of GDM women did not increase between the two time points.

Anna-Kaisa Rasilainen, Leila Varakas, Tiia Rissanen, Kirsi Laitinen, Outi Pellonperä

Anna-Kaisa Rasilainen

M.D.

University of Turku, Obstetrics and Gynaecology