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Gestational Diabetes in Migrants: Prevalence and Metabolic Profile During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Italian Cohort Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Aims Migration flows have brought many women of childbearing age to Italy, some of whom are from ethnic groups at high risk for gestational diabetes (GDM). However, the extent of migration and its impact on the prevalence of GDM in Italy are little known. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analysed data from 4186 pregnant women (22% migrants) screened for GDM at the University Hospital of Pisa between 2014 and 2022. We compared GDM prevalence and risk factors between Italian and migrant women, and assessed metabolic profiles in those with GDM. Results The proportion of migrant women increased from 8% in 2014 to 25% in 2022 ( p < 0.001). Italian women were older (36 ± 5 vs. 32 ± 6, p < 0.001), while migrant women had higher pre‐gestational BMI (24 [22–28] vs. 23 [21–26] kg/m 2 , p < 0.001) and more frequently a history of previous GDM (12% vs. 9%, p < 0.001). GDM prevalence was higher in migrants (47% vs. 37%, p < 0.001). Among GDM women, migrants had worse metabolic control (HbA1c 5.5% ± 2.5% vs. 5.2% ± 2.8%, p < 0.001), and more frequently required basal‐bolus insulin therapy (6% vs. 3%, p = 0.003). Conclusions Nowadays, one in four pregnant women is a migrant. Tailored dietary interventions should be encouraged in this population due to the higher risk of GDM and worse metabolic control.

Source: Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews

DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.70107