Maternal height and risk of gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Identifying women at high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a public health interest. This study aims to investigate the association between maternal height and risk of GDM through meta-analysis.

We retrieved the studies that assessed maternal height in relation to GDM. Pooled risk estimates of the included articles and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to study design and study location. Quality of studies was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Publication bias was detected using the Egger's and Begg's tests.

A total of 10 studies including 7 cohort and 3 cross-sectional studies with a total of 126,094 women were included for meta-analysis. Combined, each 5-cm increase in height was associated with about 20% reduction in risk of GDM [pooled odds ratio = 0.80, (95% CI 0.76, 0.85)]. The analysis revealed high heterogeneity between studies which dissolved after subgroup analysis by study design. This significant association did not differ between Asian and non-Asian populations. Egger's and Begg's tests showed little evidence of publication bias.

The present meta-analysis supports the conception that short stature is associated with GDM. Further studies of high quality are needed to confirm the findings.