Parity does not affect diabetes complications in women with type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: The problem concerning the impact of pregnancy on diabetic complications is a matter for discussion as there is some evidence suggesting that pregnancy may trigger development or progression of diabetic chronic complications. However, currently available data concerning this issue is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of obstetric history on the development of chronic microangiopatic and macroangiopatic complications in type 1 diabetic women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study comprised 226 white Caucasian type 1 diabetic women, including 190 parous and 36 nulliparous women. Anthropometric data, information concerning the course of the disease, including metabolic control and chronic complications, together with obstetric history, were registered. RESULTS: Parous women were older (p<0.001), but did not differ significantly regarding metabolic control in the course of the disease (p>0.05) and diabetes duration (p>0.05) from nulliparous subjects. There were no significant differences in the incidence (p>0.05) nor onset (p>0.05) of chronic diabetes complications between the groups. The number of deliveries did not correlate with either the incidence nor the onset of chronic complications. Longer DM duration at the moment of first delivery was related to the higher incidence of retinopathy (p<0.01), nephropathy (p<0.05) and neuropathy (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of chronic diabetic complications does not differ between parous women and the subjects that were never pregnant, and is not related to the number of pregnancies.

Family, anthropometric and biochemical factors affecting birth weight of infants born to GDM women.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects up to 25% of all pregnancies worldwide. If untreated, GDM leads to increased complication rates both, in the mother and the fetus. Early diagnosis and adequate management of GDM are essential to avoid macrosomia. Nonetheless, neonates born to GDM mothers often have high birth weight. The aim of the study was to evaluate selected factors which can affect neonatal birth weight. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 152 women with GDM and 58 healthy pregnant controls. Anthropometric data of both parents, maternal biochemical parameters, and neonatal birth weight were collected. RESULTS: The independent factors influencing neonatal birth weight were pregnancy duration, maternal smoking, as well as birth weight and current weight of the father. The risk of delivering a large for gestational age (LGA) infant increases with the diagnosis of GDM, higher maternal pre-pregnancy weight, and higher fasting glycaemia. No correlation between maternal fasting glycaemia, HbA1c, 1,5-AG, lipids and neonatal birth weight was found. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for LGA include gestational diabetes, high maternal pre-pregnancy weight, and current body weight of the father. Neither HbA1c nor 1,5-AG were reliable predictors of neonatal birth weight and occurrence of LGA in the studied population.