Gestational diabetes & diabetes in pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic Management Trajectories, and Offspring Growth Patterns and Obesity Risk
Authors' conclusion
Early and sustained glycemic management after GDM diagnosis was associated with lower childhood obesity risk comparable to that in offspring unexposed to GDM. These findings suggest an opportunity for prenatal risk stratification and prevention for children at higher obesity risk.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals who delivered at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (2011–2017) and their offspring with BMI measured at ages 2–10 years through 2022; optimal glycemic management ≥80% of glucose values meeting ADA targets14,870 (7.2%) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
- Participants
- 206,464 individuals
- Exposure
- Maternal glycemic management trajectories in GDM vs no GDM exposure
- Outcome
- Offspring BMI and obesity risk
- Follow-up
- By age 10
Methodological detailsadjusted generalized estimating equations
- Adjusted generalized estimating equations
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs unexposed to GDMRisk ratio (obesity) (95% CI)
T1
1.07(0.91–1.26)
T2
1.37(1.18–1.59)
T3
1.53(1.29–1.81)
T4
1.62(1.33–1.98)
- T1
- β (BMI) 0.27 (95% CI −0.13 to 0.66)
- T2
- β (BMI) 1.00 (95% CI 0.55–1.46)
- T3
- β (BMI) 1.22 (95% CI 0.67–1.76)
- T4
- β (BMI) 2.15 (95% CI 1.48–2.49)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- Associations were attenuated but persisted after adjustment for prepregnancy BMI
Original publication
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic Management Trajectories, and Offspring Growth Patterns and Obesity Risk. Diabetes Care. Published 4 March 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →