This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Seasonal variation associated with gestational diabetes risk
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Women who are pregnant appear to be at increased risk for gestational diabetes during the summer months compared with winter months, but they may also be at increased risk for misdiagnosis during warmer temperatures, according to findings published in the European Journal of Endocrinology.
Eleni Anastasiou, MD, of the department of endocrinology and diabetes at Alexandra Hospital in Athens, Greece, and colleagues conducted two observational studies to determine the probable effect of seasons on the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and the specific effect of the environmental temperature on the diagnosis.
In the first study (Study A), conducted between 2000 and 2012, researchers evaluated 7,618 pregnant women of Greek origin who underwent a 3-hour 100-g oral glucose tolerance test during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes prevalence was highest in August (49.9%) compared with January (32.7%) and also in the summer (39.2%) compared with the winter (28.1%). No differences were observed in fasting blood glucose levels with respect to the seasons. Blood glucose values were increased at 60, 120 and 180 minutes in summer compared with winter (P < .0001); values were intermediate in the spring and autumn.
“In Study A, daily changes of environmental temperatures were not recorded, therefore our findings on seasonal variation in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes could not be directly related to environmental temperature fluctuations,” the researchers wrote. “For this reason, we proceeded with prospective Study B.”
In the second study (Study B), conducted between 2013 and June 2014, researchers evaluated 768 pregnant women of Greek origin who were administered a 75-g OGTT in a climate-controlled room during the third trimester of gestation.
Glucose levels at 0 minutes were not correlated with environmental temperatures, whereas glucose levels at 60 (P < .01) and 120 minutes (P < .05) were correlated.
Average glucose levels at 60 minutes were increased by 0.05067 mmol/L for each degree increase in temperature at temperatures higher than 25°C, and average glucose levels at 120 minutes were increased by 0.02817 mmol/L for each degree increase in temperature at temperatures higher than 30°C.
“Our findings suggest the need to take into consideration environmental temperature during interpretation of test results used to diagnose [gestational diabetes],” Anastasiou said in a press release. “We hypothesize that the seasonal changes observed may be due to an increase in blood flow that many diminish sugar extraction from blood to tissue. Better screening should ensure that pregnant women are properly diagnosed for [gestational diabetes], ensuring they receive treatment only when their blood sugar levels can pose a danger for themselves and the baby, and avoiding unnecessary treatment and distress during pregnancy.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts