One-year postpartum weight retention and glucose intolerance in women with prediabetes after gestational diabetes.

AIMS: To determine risk factors for 1-year postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and glucose intolerance (prediabetes + diabetes) in women with a previous history of gestational diabetes (GDM) and prediabetes in early postpartum. METHODS: In this exploratory analysis of the MELINDA randomized controlled trial, we report data of 167 women with prediabetes at the 6-16 weeks (early) postpartum oral glucose tolerance test after a recent history of GDM. RESULTS: Of all participants, 45% (75) had PPWR >0 kg at 1-year postpartum. Compared to women without PPWR, women with PPWR had higher gestational weight gain [10.5 ± 6.4 vs. 6.5 ± 4.5 kg, p < 0.001], higher BMI (p < 0.01) and a worse metabolic profile (higher waist circumference, worse lipid profile and more insulin resistance) (all p < 0.05) both in early and late postpartum. Of all women with PPWR, 40.0% developed metabolic syndrome, compared to 18.9% of women without late PPWR (p = 0.003). The only independent predictor for late PPWR was weight retention in early postpartum (p < 0.001). Of all participants, 55.1% (92) had glucose intolerance (84 prediabetes, 8 diabetes) 1-year postpartum. Independent predictors for late postpartum glucose intolerance were lower gestational age at start insulin therapy in pregnancy and delivery by caesarean section (resp. p = 0.044 and 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: In women with a previous history of GDM and prediabetes in early postpartum, PPWR in early postpartum was a strong independent predictor for late PPWR, while earlier start of insulin therapy during pregnancy and delivery by caesarean section were independent predictors of glucose intolerance in late postpartum.

Impact of breastfeeding on risk of glucose intolerance in early postpartum after gestational diabetes.

Aims: To determine the impact of breastfeeding on the risk of postpartum glucose intolerance in women with gestational diabetes. Methods: Sub-analysis of two multi-centric prospective cohort studies (BEDIP-N and MELINDA) in 1008 women with gestational diabetes. Data were collected during pregnancy and at a mean of 12 weeks postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of breastfeeding on glucose intolerance, with adjustment for ethnicity, education, income, professional activity and BMI. Results: Of all participants, 56.3% (567) breastfed exclusively, 10.1% (102) gave mixed milk feeding and 33.6% (339) did not breastfeed. Mean breastfeeding duration was 3.8 ± 2.4 and 3.7 ± 2.1 months in the breastfeeding and mixed milk feeding groups (p=0.496). The rate of glucose intolerance was lower in both the breastfeeding [22.3% (126)] and mixed milk feeding [25.5% (26)] groups compared to the no breastfeeding group [29.5% (100)], with an adjusted OR of 0.7 (95% CI 0.5-1.0) for glucose intolerance in the breastfeeding group compared to no breastfeeding group and an adjusted OR of 0.7 (95% CI 0.4-1.2) for the mixed milk feeding group compared to the no breastfeeding group. Postpartum, breastfeeding women had a lower BMI, less often postpartum weight retention, lower fasting triglycerides, less insulin resistance and a higher insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2 than the mixed milk feeding and no breastfeeding group. The mixed milk feeding group was more often from an non-White background, had a lower blood pressure and lower fasting triglycerides compared to the no breastfeeding group. Conclusions: Breastfeeding (exclusive and mixed milk feeding) is associated with less glucose intolerance and a better metabolic profile in early postpartum in women with gestational diabetes.

Effectiveness of a blended mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with glucose intolerance after a recent history of gestational diabetes (MELINDA): a 1-year, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Women with glucose intolerance after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk to develop type 2 diabetes. Traditional lifestyle interventions in early postpartum have limited impact. We investigated the efficacy of a blended mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with glucose intolerance after a recent history of GDM. Methods: Prospective, double-arm, non-masked, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) in which women with glucose intolerance, diagnosed 6-16 weeks after a GDM-complicated pregnancy, were assigned 1:1 to a one-year blended-care, telephone- and mobile-based lifestyle program (intervention) or usual care (control). Primary endpoint was the proportion of women able to achieve their weight goal (≥5% weight loss if prepregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or return to prepregnancy weight if prepregnancy BMI < 25 kg/m2) in the intention-to-treat sample. Key secondary outcomes were frequency of glucose intolerance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and lifestyle-related outcomes assessed with self-administered questionnaires. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03559621). Findings: Between April 10th 2019 and May 13th 2022, 240 participants were assigned to the intervention (n = 121) or control group (n = 119), of which 167 (n = 82 in intervention and n = 85 in control group) completed the study. Primary outcome was achieved by 46.3% (56) of intervention participants compared to 43.3% (52) in the control group [odds ratio (OR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63-2.03, p = 0.680; risk ratio 1.07, 95% CI (0.78-1.48)]. Women in the intervention group developed significantly less often metabolic syndrome compared to the control group [7.3% (6) vs. 16.5% (14), OR 0.40, CI (0.22-0.72), p = 0.002], reported less sedentary behaviour and higher motivation for continuing healthy behaviours. In the intervention group, 84.1% (69) attended at least eight telephone sessions and 70.7% (58) used the app at least once weekly. Interpretation: A blended, mobile-based lifestyle intervention was not effective in achieving weight goals, but reduced the risk to develop metabolic syndrome. Funding: Research fund of University Hospitals Leuven, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Lilly.

Weight retention and glucose intolerance in early postpartum after gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for early postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and glucose intolerance (GI) in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). DESIGN & METHODS: Prospective, multicenter (n=8) cohort study in 1201 women with a recent history of GDM. Pregnancy and postpartum characteristics, and data from self-administered questionnaires were collected at the 6-16 weeks postpartum 75g OGTT. RESULTS: Of all participants, 38.6% (463) had moderate (>0 and ≤5 kg) and 15.6% (187) had high (>5kg) PPWR. Independent predictors for early PPWR were excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), lack of breastfeeding, higher dietary fat intake, insulin use during pregnancy, multiparity, lower prepregnancy BMI, and lower education degree. Compared to PPWR <5 kg, women with high PPWR had a more impaired postpartum metabolic profile, breastfed less often, had higher depression rates [23.1% (43) vs. 16.0% (74), p=0.035] and anxiety levels, and lower quality of life. Of all participants, 28.0% (336) had GI [26.1% (313) prediabetes and 1.9% (23) diabetes]. Women with high PPWR had more often GI compared to women without PPWR [33.7% (63) vs. 24.9% (137), p=0.020]. Only 12.9% (24) of women with high PPWR perceived themselves at high risk for diabetes but they were more often willing to change their lifestyle than women with moderate PPWR. CONCLUSIONS: Modifiable risk factors such as lifestyle, prepregnancy BMI, GWG, and mental health can be used to identify a subgroup of women with GDM at the highest risk of developing early PPWR, allowing for a more personalized follow-up.

Mobile-Based Lifestyle Intervention in Women with Glucose Intolerance after Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (MELINDA), A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial: Methodology and Design.

The aims of the 'Mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with glucose intolerance after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)' study (MELINDA) are: (1) to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of glucose intolerance after a recent history of GDM; and (2) to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a telephone- and mobile-based lifestyle intervention in women with glucose intolerance after GDM. This is a Belgian multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) in seven hospitals with the aim of recruiting 236 women. Women in the intervention group will receive a blended program, based on one face-to-face education session and further follow-up through a mobile application and monthly telephone advice. Women in the control group will receive follow-up as in normal routine with referral to primary care. Participants will receive an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) one year after baseline. Primary endpoint is the frequency of weight goal achievement (≥5% weight loss if pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2 or return to pre-gravid weight if BMI < 25 Kg/m2). At each visit blood samples are collected, anthropometric measurements are obtained, and self-administered questionnaires are completed. Recruitment began in May 2019.

Glucose intolerance in early postpartum in women with gestational diabetes: Who is at increased risk?

Women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the years after the index pregnancy. Some women with GDM already develop glucose intolerance in early postpartum. The best screening strategy for glucose intolerance in early postpartum among women with a history of GDM is still debated. We review the most important risk factors of women with GDM to develop glucose intolerance within one year postpartum. We also discuss the current recommendations for screening in early postpartum and the many challenges to organize postpartum follow up in primary care.

Glucose intolerance after a recent history of gestational diabetes.

Aim. Our aim was to evaluate the uptake of our current screening strategy postpartum and the risk factors for glucose intolerance in women with a recent history of gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods. Retrospective analysis of files of women with a recent history of GDM diagnosed with the Carpenter and Coustan criteria from 01-01-2010 till 31-12-2013. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Results. Of all 231 women with a recent history of GDM, 21.4% (46) did not attend the scheduled postpartum OGTT. Of the women tested, 39.1% (66) had glucose intolerance and 5.3% (9) had diabetes. These women were more often overweight (39.7% versus 25.3%, P = 0.009), were more often treated with basal-bolus insulin injections (52.0% versus 17.4%, P = 0.032), and had a lower beta-cell function and lower insulin sensitivity, remaining significant after adjustment for age, BMI, and ethnicity (insulin secretion sensitivity index-2 (ISSI-2) in pregnancy 1.5 ± 0.5 versus 1.7 ± 0.4, P = 0.029; ISSI-2 postpartum 1.5 (1.2-1.9) versus 2.2 (1.8-2.6), P = 0.020; Matsuda index postpartum 3.8 (2.6-6.2) versus 6.0 (4.3-8.8), P = 0.021). Conclusion. Glucose intolerance is frequent in early postpartum and these women have a lower beta-cell function and lower insulin sensitivity. One fifth of women did not attend the scheduled OGTT postpartum.