Ethnic Differences in Pregnancy Complications Among Women with Gestational Diabetes

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder associated with an amplified risk of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among GDM patients belonging to different ethnic groups. Patients and Methods: This retrospective analysis included n = 466 women with GDM (n = 167 Asian; n = 299 European). The impact of ethnicity on pregnancy outcomes was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for confounding factors. Results: Asians were younger than Europeans (p < 0.001) and more frequently multiparous (p = 0.003). Fasting glucose at OGTT was higher in Asians, as well as HbA1c values at the end of pregnancy (p = 0.010 and p = 0.001, respectively). Asian ethnicity was associated with an increased likelihood of insulin therapy (OR = 3.36 [1.72-6.58] 95% CI, p < 0.001), in the adjusted model. The gestational week of delivery was lower in Asians compared to Europeans (p = 0.007). The Asian group had a higher occurrence of cesarean section (p = 0.048) and emergency cesarean section (p = 0.006) compared to the European group. Delivery complications were more frequent in the Asian cohort, adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.19 [1.11-4.32] 95% CI, p = 0.023). Newborns of the Asian group were more frequently small for gestational age (SGA) in adjusted models (OR = 2.36 [1.08-5.15] 95% CI, p = 0.031). Conclusions: Worse GDM outcomes were observed in the Asian cohort compared to the European cohort. Identifying risk factors for GDM-related complications is crucial for developing tailored interventions and reducing the overall disease burden.