Work

The association between early diagnosis of gestational diabetes and maternal-neonatal outcomes: a secondary analysis of the digest trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine whether early gestational diabetes (GDM) differs from later GDM in maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of an energy-restricted dietary intervention in GDM (DiGest) randomized controlled trial. We compared maternal weight, glycemia, and pregnancy/neonatal outcomes between the early GDM (< 20 weeks, n = 118) and standard GDM diagnosis (21–28 weeks, n = 299) groups. RESULTS: Early GDM was associated with higher antenatal (40 vs. 38 mmol/mol; p = 0.017) and postnatal HbA1c (38 vs. 36 mmol/mol; p = 0.002) and higher risk of diabetes/prediabetes postnatally (19 vs. 6%; p = 0.003). Despite higher medication requirements, perinatal outcomes did not differ. Lower gestational weight gain (2.5 vs. 5.3 kg, p = 0.003) and comparable glycemia at 36 weeks were found. Timing of diagnosis did not impact the effect of the DiGest intervention. CONCLUSION: Early GDM reflects more severe underlying hyperglycemia, but timely treatment and reduced gestational weight gain can offset adverse perinatal risks.

Source: Endocrine

DOI: 10.1007/s12020-025-04542-y