Impaired glucose tolerance associated with adverse pregnancy outcome: A population-based study in southern Sweden

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a population-based study of maternal and neonatal c haracteristics and delivery complications in relation to the outcome of a 7 5-g, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test at 25 to 30 weeks' gestation. STUDY DESIGN: An oral glucose tolerance test was offered to pregnant women in a geographically defined population. Pregnancy outcome was analyzed acco rding to the test result. RESULTS: Among women delivered at Lund Hospital, we identified 4526 women w ith an oral glucose tolerance value of <7.8 mmol/L (<140 mg/dL), 131 women with a value of 7.8 to 8.9 mmol/L (140-162 mg/dL), and 116 women with gesta tional diabetes (greater than or equal to9.0 mmol/L [greater than or equal to 162 mg/dL]). A further 28 cases of gestational diabetes were identified, giving a prevalence of 1.2%. An increased rate of cesarean delivery and in fant macrosomia was observed in the group with a glucose tolerance value of 7.8 to 8.9 mmol/L (140-162 mg/dL) and in the gestational diabetes group. A dvanced maternal age and high body mass index were risk factors for increas ed oral glucose tolerance values in 12,657 screened women in the area. CONCLUSION: The study stresses the significance of moderately increased ora l glucose tolerance values.