Early-Onset of Gestational Diabetes vs. Late-Onset: Can We Revamp Pregnancy Outcomes?

Background: we assessed risk factors, antenatal and intrapartum complications associated with early-onset gestational diabetes mellitus (gdm) in comparison with late-onset gdm. methods: this retrospective study included 161 gdm women having singleton pregnancies, without previous medical disorder and delivered at a tertiary care hospital in ha’il city, ksa from dec 2020 till jun 2021. women diagnosed at < 24 weeks of pregnancy were grouped as early-onset gdm (n=71) and those diagnosed at ≥ 24 weeks as late-onset gdm (n=90). both groups were matched for background variables. chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were applied with p-value significance at 0.05. results: past history of gdm, macrosomia and stillbirth were significant predictors for early-onset gdm (p value 0.000, 0.002 and 0.040 respectively). regression analysis showed early-onset gdm significantly increases the risk for recurrent urinary tract infections (aor 2.35), polyhydramnios (aor 2.81), reduced fetal movements (aor 2.13), intrauterine fetal demise (aor 8.06), macrosomia (aor 2.16), fetal birth trauma (2.58), low apgar score at birth (aor 8.06), and neonatal icu admissions (aor 2.65). rate of preterm birth, hypertensive disorders, labor onset (natural vs. induced) and cesarean section and intrapartum maternal complications were same in both groups. conclusion: early-onset gdm significantly increases certain maternal (recurrent urinary tract infections, polyhydramnios and reduced fetal movements) and fetal complications (intrauterine fetal demise, macrosomia fetal birth trauma, low apgar score at birth and neonatal icu admissions). most of these adverse pregnancy outcomes can be prevented through early registration and screening, close follow up, growth ultrasounds, and provision of efficient emergency and neonatal care services.