Maternal postprandial blood glucose levels and its relation with the pregnancy outcomes

Background: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in general and in younger people in particular has led to an increasing numbers of pregnancies with the complication of gestational hyperglycaemias. All complications associated with gestational hyperglycaemias are potentially preventable. The aim of this study is to monitor longitudinal changes in blood glucose levels in pregnancy and to co-relate it with various maternal and foetal outcomes. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 93 pregnant women. Venous blood was collected and post prandial blood glucose (PP2BG) level was estimated by glucose oxidase-peroxidase enzyme method once in every trimester. Pregnancy outcomes including the mode of delivery (spontaneous vaginal delivery or assisted delivery), birth weight of the baby and the neonatal morbidity like asphyxia, hypoglycaemias were noted. Results: We found 6% of the women in the study group have gestational hyperglycaemias in the first trimester and 27% in the second trimester. The percentages of gestational hyperglycaemias are reduced to 11% in the third trimester. Maternal post prandial blood glucose levels affect the birth weight of the baby and also mode of delivery. Numbers of neonatal complications are higher in subjects with higher blood glucose levels. Conclusion: We recommend that estimation of maternal PP2 BG levels should be carried out in all pregnant women at the first antenatal visit and at least once in every trimester. This would help to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes.