MedicineNov 10, 2018

How abnormal blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes relate to pregnancy problems

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Updated Apr 3, 2026

Abstract

In a study involving 3,221 women with (GDM), certain factors were found to influence the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Maternal age between 28-37 years is associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes (odds ratio 1.403).
Days of pregnancy correlate negatively with adverse outcomes (odds ratio 0.904).
Gestational weight gain is linked to increased risk of adverse outcomes (odds ratio 1.018).
Age of menarche shows a negative correlation with adverse outcomes (odds ratio 0.925).
Both fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour values are positively correlated with adverse outcomes, with fasting plasma glucose being more predictive.
Higher numbers of abnormal OGTT values are associated with increased risks of various complications, including cesarean delivery and neonatal issues.

Simplified

To explore the influence of the 75 g (OGTT) on pregnancy outcomes and to determine the risk factors for adverse outcomes among women with (GDM).This retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who had GDM and were treated between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017. The diagnostic criteria for GDM were proposed by the International Diabetes and Pregnancy Research Organization (IADPSG) in 2010. Women with GDM were stratified according to the number of abnormal OGTT values or the presence/absence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal characteristics, OGTT values, pregnancy outcomes, and the relationship between the latter 2 were analyzed.In total, 3221 pregnant women with GDM were included. The incidence of adverse outcomes was affected by maternal age (28-37 years, in particular; odds ratio [OR], 1.403; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.037-1.899; P = .028), days of pregnancy (OR, 0.904; 95% CI, 0.894-0.914; P < .001), gestational weight gain (OR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.000-1.036;, P = .048), and age of menarche (OR, 0.925; 95% CI, 0.863-0.992; P = .029). Both fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h OGTT were positively correlated with adverse outcomes, of which FPG was more predictive (FPG: OR, 1.143; 95% CI, 1.007-1.297; P = .038; 2-h OGTT: OR, 1.074; 95% CI, 1.018-1.133; P = .009). Meanwhile, higher abnormal OGTT values were associated with significantly increased risks of antenatal insulin treatment, cesarean delivery, premature delivery, gestational hypertension, premature rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, macrosomia, neonatal asphyxia, and full term low weight infants.OGTT values and the number of abnormal glucose are associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes. Stratified management is recommended for pregnant women with GDM, especially those with fasting hyperglycemia and/or 3 abnormal OGTT values.

Key numbers

59.1%

Increase in Adverse Outcomes with Abnormal Values

Overall incidence of adverse outcomes for women with 3 abnormal values.

1.403

Maternal Age Risk Factor

Odds ratio for adverse outcomes associated with maternal age.

1.143

FPG Predictive Value

Odds ratio for adverse outcomes associated with fasting plasma glucose.

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How abnormal blood sugar levels in gestational diabetes relate to pregnancy problems

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