Preconception blood glucose levels and the risk of preterm birth

A new study examined the associations between preconception diabetes, prediabetes, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels on the risk of preterm birth. The study, which also evaluated whether these associations were modified by access to or utilization of healthcare services, is published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Women’s Health.  Click here to read the article now.

Preconception diabetes is strongly associated with adverse birth outcomes. In the current study, Erin Delker, PhD, from University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University, and coauthors, found that both preconception diabetes and prediabetes were associated with increased risk of preterm birth. The investigators reported that the associations between preconception elevated HbA1c and preterm birth were greater among women without stable healthcare coverage. 

“Our findings, in aggregate with the existing literature, suggest that screening for hyperglycemia prior to pregnancy is important to identifying women who may experience greater risks of adverse birth outcomes,” state the investigators.

In an accompanying Editorial , Amber Healy, DO, from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, states that “Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes in pregnancy are lacking.” Dr. Healy concludes that “Better screening for prediabetes and diabetes preconception and increased access to contraception will prove beneficial in reducing preterm delivery. Engaging both primary care providers and obstetrics/gynecology specialists in these strategies are key to these strategies succeeding.”

About the Journal
Journal of Women’s Health, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. Led by Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, Richmond, VA, the Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women’s healthcare issues. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the  Journal of Women’s Health website. Journal of Women’s Health is the official journal of the Society for Women’s Health Research.

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research. A complete list of the firm’s 90 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.