Earlier detection of gestational diabetes impacts on medication requirements, neonatal and maternal outcomes

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a global health concern with significant implications for maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study investigates the association between early GD (eGD) diagnosis (<24 weeks), pharmacotherapy requirements and adverse neonatal outcomes.

A cohort of 369 pregnant women underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Maternal variables, pharmacotherapy prescriptions and neonatal outcomes were analysed employing t-tests, χ² tests, and logistic regression. A p < .05 was considered significant.

Early GD increased the odds of neonatal hypoglycaemia [odds ratio (OR): 18.57, p = .013] and respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 4.75, p = .034). Nutritional therapy prescription by an accredited nutritionist was the most common treatment in women diagnosed after 24 weeks, but those with eGD required more frequently specialized nutritional consulting + metformin to achieve glycaemic control (p = .027). eGD was associated with a higher requirement of nutritional therapy prescription + metformin (OR: 2.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-4.09, p = .007) and with maternal hyperglycaemia during the post-partum period at 2 h of the oral glucose tolerance test (OR: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.13, p = .024).

Timely diagnosis and personalized treatment of GD are desirable because an earlier presentation is related to a higher risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.