Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Racial disparities in perinatal outcomes among women with gestational diabetes
Erica K Berggren1, Kim A Boggess, Michele Jonsson Funk
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. erica.berggren@gmail.com
Background:
We sought to evaluate perinatal outcomes by race/ethnicity among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods:
We conducted a 14-year retrospective cohort study of women with GDM. Selected perinatal outcomes were examined. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR, aPR) of perinatal outcomes, comparing Hispanic and African American women with Caucasian women, were calculated.
Results:
Hispanics comprised 54% of the 1018 woman cohort. Half received medical management of GDM (52%), more than African Americans (45%) or Caucasians (39%)(p<0.05). Compared with Caucasians, Hispanics had fewer deliveries <37 weeks (aPR 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-0.81), less gestational hypertension (aPR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22-0.83), larger median birth weight infants (3453 g vs 3291 g, p<0.05), and greater risk of shoulder dystocia (aPR 3.52, 95% CI 1.30-9.50). Hispanic women had fewer adverse outcomes overall compared with Caucasian or African American women.
Conclusions:
We report differences between Hispanic and Caucasian women with GDM. Treatment to achieve glycemic control and reduce adverse outcomes may differ by race/ethnicity.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetic Retinopathy
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus