Abstract
We investigated the clinical backgrounds and outcomes of ninety-three pregnant women who were found to have impaired glucose tolerance for the first time during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM).
In most subjects, impairment of glucose tolerance improved significantly (p<0.001) after delivery, accompanied by a decrease in early insulin response during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). 40.8% of the subjects were found to have normal glucose tolerances during the OGTT after delivery. GDM patients with no family history in relatives under 34 years of age showed remarkable improvement in glucose intolerance with a normal insulinogenic index after delivery, while GDM patients with a family history in relatives over 35 years of age showed less improvement.
During pregnancy most subjects attained good glycemic control and there were few maternal or fetal problems.
The presence of family histories of diabetes and aging of pregnant women were negative factors with respect to improvement in glucose tolerance after delivery. Risks of maternal and fetal problems can be avoided by strict glycemic control during pregnancy.
