Excessive generalized and visceral adiposity is associated with a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Caucasian patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) has heterogeneous clinical phenotypes related to different risk of developing diabetes complications. We investigated the correlation between generalized and abdominal adiposity and the prevalence of both micro- and macrovascular complications in Caucasian patients with T2D. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 769 individuals with T2D consecutively referred to our diabetes center. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip (W/H) ratio, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile, smoking habit, diabetes therapy, and micro- and macrovascular complications were recorded. Patients were divided into three groups based on BMI and WC: non-obese with normal WC (nWC, n = 220), non-obese with excess of abdominal fat (AF, n = 260) and obese (Ob, n = 289). We found that nWC, compared with AF and Ob individuals, were predominantly males (p<0.01), had lower HbA1c (p<0.01), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.01), triglycerides (p<0.01), and showed a significantly lower prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) (p = 0.01). The rate of proliferative DR was significantly higher in Ob (13.2 %) compared to the other groups (p = 0.03). Multivariate analyses showed a significantly decreased prevalence of DR in nWC compared to both AF (OR 0.58, 95 CI 0.34-0.96; p = 0.03) and Ob (OR 0.57, 95 CI 0.33-0.98; p = 0.04) individuals. Conversely, DR was associated, mainly in women, to higher WC and W/H ratio. The prevalence of the other diabetes-related complications was similar among the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our population, nWC subjects showed a lower prevalence of DR. An increased generalized and abdominal adiposity was associated to a higher prevalence of DR, especially among females.

Effect of gluten-free diet on autoimmune thyroiditis progression in patients with no symptoms or histology of celiac disease: a meta-analysis.

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune disease. HT may be associated with nonthyroidal autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease (CD) or other gluten-related conditions (GRC). In the last years, interest about gluten-free diet (GFD) has increased for its supposed extraintestinal anti-inflammatory effect; thus, many patients with HT initiate GFD on their own. Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine all available data in literature about the effect of a GFD on TgAb, TPOAb, TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels in patients with HT and no symptoms or histology of CD. Methods: The study was conducted according to MOOSE (Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). The search was performed on databases PubMed and Scopus. The last search was performed on 7 February 2023. Quality assessment was performed. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effect model. Hedges' g was used to measure the effect size (ES). Statistical analyses were performed using StataSE 17. Results: The online search retrieved 409 articles, and 4 studies with a total of 87 patients were finally included for quantitative analysis. The risk of bias was generally low. The mean period of GFD was almost 6 months. The meta-analyses showed reduction in antibody levels with ES: -0.39 for TgAb (95% CI: -0.81 to +0.02; p = 0.06; I² = 46.98%) and -0.40 for TPOAb (95% CI: -0.82 to +0.03; p = 0.07; I² = 47.58%). TSH showed a reduction with ES: -0.35 (95% CI: -0.64 to -0.05; p = 0.02; I² = 0%) and FT4 showed an increase with ES: +0.35% (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.64; p = 0.02; I² = 0%). FT3 did not display variations (ES: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.38 to +0.48; p = 0.82; I² = 51%). The heterogeneity of TgAb, TPOAb, and FT3 data was solved performing sub-analyses between patients with or without GRC (TgAb p = 0.02; TPOAb p = 0.02; FT3 p = 0.04) and only for FT3, performing a sub-analysis between patients taking and not taking LT4 (p = 0.03). Conclusion: This is the first meta-analysis investigating the effect of GFD on HT. Our results seem to indicate a positive effect of the gluten deprivation on thyroid function and its inflammation, particularly in patients with HT and GRC. However, current lines of evidence are not yet sufficient to recommend this dietary approach to all patients with a diagnosis of HT.

The impact of obesity and dyslipidemia on Remdesivir effectiveness in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia: An observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Remdesivir (GS-5734), an inhibitor of the viral RNA-dependent, RNA polymerase was early identified as a promising therapeutic candidate against COVID-19. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of several metabolic parameters on Remdesivir effectiveness among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted an observational study on patients with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia admitted between May 2020 and September 2021 to the COVID-19 Units of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Intensive Care of Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy, and treated with Remdesivir. The "Ordinal Scale For Clinical Improvement" was used to assess patients' clinical improvement within 28 days of hospitalization. Short-term mortality rate was also evaluated. A total of 142 patients with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia were studied. The prevalence of obesity (20.7% vs. 41.9%, p = 0.03), the average BMI (27.1 ± 4.4 vs. 31.1 ± 6.1, p < 0.01) and the mean LDL-C levels (78 ± 19 mg/dl vs. 103 ± 18 mg/dl, p = 0.03) were significantly lower in early-improved (EI) compared to not-improved (NI) individuals. Obesity was negatively associated to clinical improvement after Remdesivir (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.17-0.97, p = 0.04). Both obesity (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.05-7.71, p = 0.04) and dyslipidemia (OR 2.78, 95%CI 1.17-7.16, p = 0.03) were significantly related to patients' mortality. Dyslipidemic subjects experienced a slower clinical improvement than non-dyslipidemic ones (Long-Rank p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that unfavorable metabolic conditions such as obesity and dyslipidemia could predict a worse clinical response to Remdesivir as well as the mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Further prospective and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus pregnancy by pregnancy: early, late and nonrecurrent GDM.

AIMS: To assess the GDM recurrence rate in a cohort of pregnant women with prior GDM, to compare two consecutive pregnancies complicated by GDM, to compare women with nonrecurrent and recurrent GDM and to stratify the latter in women with early and late recurrent GDM. METHODS: Retrospective study including 113 women with GDM in an index pregnancy (G1), at least a postindex pregnancy (G2) and normal glucose tolerance in between. The GDM recurrence rate was assessed, and maternal and neonatal outcomes and pancreatic beta cell function of the index pregnancy were compared with those of the postindex pregnancy (G1 vs. G2). Women with nonrecurrent GDM were compared with those with recurrent GDM. RESULTS: The GDM recurrence rate was 83.2% and the minimum prevalence of early recurrent GDM was 43,4%. The pregravid BMI of women with recurrent GDM increased between the two pregnancies (27.3 ± 5.98 vs. 28.1 ± 6.19 kg/m2, p < 0.05). Women with recurrent GDM had a higher prepregnancy BMI than those with nonrecurrent GDM either at the index (27.3 ± 5.98 vs. 23.1 ± 4.78 kg/m2, p < 0.05) or the postindex pregnancy (27 ± 6vs.24 ± 4,4 kg/m2, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GDM shows a high recurrence rate in our cohort of slightly overweight women, with an early GDM minimum prevalence of 43.4%.

Efficacy of flash glucose monitoring in pregnant women with poorly controlled pregestational diabetes (FlashMom): A randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Good glycemic control is crucial to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) on glucose control in women with pregestational diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty women with inadequately controlled type 1 (T1D, n = 34) and type 2 (T2D, n = 6) diabetes at conception were randomly assigned to two arms: the Flash Glucose group (FG, n = 21) using FGM, and the control group (CG, n = 19) using self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c, %), time in (TIR), below (TBR) and above (TAR) range, glucose variability as well as the occurrence of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, were evaluated. HbA1c decreased significantly (p < 0.01) and similarly (-0.65 ± 0.7 vs. -0.67 ± 0.8 for FG and CG, respectively; p = 0.89) in both groups during pregnancy. HbA1c reduction was positively associated with the number of daily FGM scans (p < 0.01). TBR (12.1 ± 2.0% vs. 19.6 ± 3.9%, p = 0.04) and the mean of the daily serum glucose difference (MODD) index (59.1 ± 5.4 vs. 77.7 ± 4.6, p = 0.02) were significantly lower in FG at second trimester. The rates of perinatal adverse outcomes were not different in the two studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: In women with pregestational diabetes, FGM and SMBG had similar efficacy on glucose control during pregnancy. FGM showed additional advantages in terms of TBR and glucose variability. Achievement of good metabolic results depended on the adequate use of glucose sensor. REGISTRATION: At ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT04666818 on December 14, 2020.

Screening of postpartum diabetes in women with gestational diabetes: high-risk subgroups and areas for improvements-the STRONG observational study.

AIMS: To assess the proportion of women with gestational diabetes (GDM) by performing postpartum Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and to identify GDM phenotypes at high-risk of postpartum dysglycemia (PPD). METHODS: Observational, retrospective, multicenter study involving consecutive GDM women. Recursive partitioning (RECPAM) analysis was used to identify distinct and homogeneous subgroups of women at different PPD risk. RESULTS: From a sample of 2,736 women, OGTT was performed in 941 (34.4%) women, of whom 217 (23.0%) developed PPD. Insulin-treated women having family history of diabetes represented the subgroup with the highest PPD risk (OR 5.57, 95% CI 3.60-8.63) compared to the reference class (women on diet with pre-pregnancy BMI < = 28.1 kg/m2). Insulin-treated women without family diabetes history and women on diet with pre-pregnancy BMI > 28.1 kg/m2 showed a two-fold PPD risk. Previous GDM and socioeconomic status represent additional predictors. Fasting more than post-prandial glycemia plays a predictive role, with values of 81-87 mg/dl (4.5-4.8 mmol/l) (lower than the current diagnostic GDM threshold) being associated with PPD risk. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing compliance to postpartum OGTT to prevent/delay PPD is a priority. Easily available characteristics identify subgroups of women more likely to benefit from preventive strategies. Fasting BG values during pregnancy lower than those usually considered deserve attention.

Maternal Diabetes Impairs Insulin and IGF-1 Receptor Expression and Signaling in Human Placenta.

Background: Maternal high blood glucose during pregnancy increases the risk for both maternal and fetal adverse outcomes. The mechanisms underlying the regulator effects of hyperglycemia on placental development and growth have not been fully illustrated yet. The placenta expresses high amounts of both insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R). It has been reported that the placenta of diabetic women has structural and functional alterations and the insulin/IGF system is likely to play a role in these changes. The aim of the present study was to measure the content of IR and IGF-1R and their phosphorylation in the placenta of women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) or with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared to women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during pregnancy. Methods: Placental tissues were obtained from 80 Caucasian women with a singleton pregnancy. In particular, we collected placenta samples from 20 T1D patients, 20 GDM patients and 40 NGT women during pregnancy. Clinical characteristics and anthropometric measures of all women as well as delivery and newborn characteristics were recorded. Patients were also subdivided on the basis of peripartum glycemia either ≥90 mg/dl or <90 mg/dl, regardless of the diagnosis. Results: In T1D patients, a higher rate of adverse outcomes was observed. Compared to the GDM women, the T1D group showed significantly higher average capillary blood glucose levels at the third trimester of pregnancy and at peripartum, and higher third-trimester HbA1c values. In both T1D and GDM women, HbA1c values during pregnancy correlated with glucose values in the peripartum period (R-squared 0.14, p=0.02). A positive correlation was observed between phosphorylation of placental IR and the glucose levels during the third trimester of GDM and T1D pregnancy (R-squared 0.21, p=0.003). In the placenta of T1D patients, IGF-1R phosphorylation and IR isoform A (IR-A) expression were significantly increased (p=0.006 and p=0.040, respectively), compared to the NGT women. Moreover, IGF-1R phosphorylation was significantly increased (p<0.0001) in the placenta of patients with peripartum glucose >90 mg/dl, while IR-A expression was increased in those with peripartum blood glucose higher than 120 mg/dl (p=0.046). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, our study represents the first one in which an increased maternal blood glucose level during pregnancy is associated with an increased IGF-1R phosphorylation and IR-A expression in the placenta. Both these mechanisms can promote an excessive fetal growth.

A "Slide Rule" to Adjust Insulin Dose Using Trend Arrows in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Test in Silico and in Real Life.

INTRODUCTION: In persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D) insulin dosing can be adjusted based on trend arrows derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). We propose a slide rule with narrower blood glucose intervals and more classes of insulin sensitivity than are available in current models. METHODS: The slide rule was tested in silico, in which a meal was simulated in 100 virtual subjects and the insulin bolus was calculated either in the standard way based on the insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio and the correction factor or according to the slide rule, following which the percentage time spent in range (70-180 mg/dl; %TIR), hypoglycemia (< 70 mg/dl; %THYPO), and hyperglycemia (> 180 mg/dl; %THYPER) was compared between the methods during the 4 h after the meal. Slide rule performance was also tested in real life by analyzing the same variables at during the 4 h postprandial period in 27 individuals with T1D. Only meals starting while the rate of change was at least 1 mg/dl per minute (increasing or decreasing) were considered for analysis. RESULTS: In silico, when the preprandial trend arrow was increasing, our slide rule reduced %THYPER and increased %TIR (p < 0.05), whereas when the preprandial trend arrow was decreasing, it reduced %THYPO and slightly increased %THYPER (p < 0.05). In real life, our slide rule kept subjects on target for 70.8 and 91.6% of postprandial time when preprandial trend arrows were increasing or decreasing, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed slide rule performed well both in silico and in real life, suggesting that it could be safely adopted by individuals with T1D to improve glucose control.

Risk for Coexistent Autoimmune Diseases in Familial and Sporadic Type 1 Diabetes is Related to Age at Diabetes Onset.

OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Although most of T1D patients are sporadic cases (S-T1D), 10% to 15% have a familial form (F-T1D) involving 2 or more first-degree relatives. This study evaluated the effect of T1D family aggregation and age onset on AIDs occurrence. METHODS: In this observational, cross-sectional, case-control, single center study, we enrolled 115 F-T1D and 115 S-T1D patients matched for gender, age, T1D age onset, and duration. With respect to T1D age onset (before or after 18 years), both groups were further subdivided into young- or adult-onset F-T1D and young- or adult-onset S-T1D. The presence of organ-specific antibodies and/or overt AIDs was evaluated. RESULTS: The F-T1D group had a higher percentage of AIDs (29.8% vs 18.4%, P = .04) and a significant earlier onset of AIDs at Cox regression analysis (P = .04) than the S-T1D group. Based on multivariate analysis, the adult-onset F-T1D subgroup had the highest prevalence of both additional organ-specific antibodies (60.5%) and overt AIDs (34.9%), whereas the adult S-T1D subgroup was the least frequently involved (29.1% and 12.7%, respectively). In F-T1D patients, offsprings develop T1D and AIDs earlier than their parents do. CONCLUSIONS: In T1D patients, familial aggregation and adult-onset of T1D increase the risk for coexistent AIDs. These clinical predictors could guide clinicians to address T1D patients for the screening of T1D-related AIDs.

Efficacy, renal safety and tolerability of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: A real-world experience.

AIMS: To evaluate efficacy, renal safety and tolerability of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) aged ≥65 years. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 364 elderly individuals with T2DM starting SGLT2i from June 2015 to June 2018. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups based on median age (70 years). Linear mixed effect models were used to estimate changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). SGLT2i discontinuation rate and causes of treatment interruption were also recorded. RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage of patients achieved HbA1c <7.5% (46.7% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.01) and <8.0% (68.9% vs. 47.2%, p < 0.01) compared to baseline. Each year of therapy was associated with an average HbA1c decrease of 0.34% (p < 0.01) and BMI loss of 0.71 kg/m2 (p < 0.01), without significant interaction across age classes. In the younger group eGFR increased by 1.02 ml/min/year, while in the older group it declined by 0.42 ml/min/year (p = 0.08). Overall discontinuation rate during the follow-up period was similar across age groups (34.2% vs. 36.1%, long-rank p = 0.26). Genitourinary infections were the most frequent cause of treatment interruption (15.8% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.69) in both study groups, while persistent eGFR decline (4.4%) and orthostatic hypotension (1.7%) were only present in older age class. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy, renal safety and tolerability of SGLT2i were similar in people >70 compared to 65-70 years of age, suggesting that a wider use should not be worried even in the elderly. However, some caution must be paid to the occurrence of persistent eGFR decline and orthostatic hypotension, especially in patients >70 years old.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Children and Adolescents with Metabolically Healthy Obesity: Role of Insulin Sensitivity.

Obesity represents a major risk factor for metabolic disorders, but some individuals, "metabolically healthy" (MHO), show less clinical evidence of these complications, in contrast to "metabolically unhealthy" (MUO) individuals. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess the prevalence of the MHO phenotype in a cohort of 246 overweight/obese Italian children and adolescents, and to evaluate their characteristics and the role of insulin resistance. Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity index (ISI), insulinogenic index (IGI) and disposition index (DI) were all calculated from the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). MHO was defined by either: (1) HOMA-IR < 2.5 (MHO-IRes), or (2) absence of the criteria for metabolic syndrome (MHO-MetS). The MHO prevalence, according to MHO-MetS or MHO-IRes criteria, was 37.4% and 15.8%, respectively. ISI was the strongest predictor of the MHO phenotype, independently associated with both MHO-IRes and MHO-MetS. The MHO-MetS group was further subdivided into insulin sensitive or insulin resistant on the basis of HOMA-IR (either < or ≥ 2.5). Insulin sensitive MHO-MetS patients had a better metabolic profile compared to both insulin resistant MHO-MetS and MUO-MetS individuals. These data underscore the relevance of insulin sensitivity to identifying, among young individuals with overweight/obesity, the ones who have a more favorable metabolic phenotype.

Awareness about diabetes and pregnancy among diabetes specialists and fellows: The YoSID diabetes and pregnancy project.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite evidence that pregnancy planning improves outcomes, in Italy, as in many other countries worldwide, <50% of women with diabetes prepare their pregnancy. The aim of this study was to document training and knowledge on diabetes and pregnancy (D&P) among diabetes professionals. METHODS AND RESULTS: We administered an anonymous online questionnaire, focused on diabetes and pregnancy planning, to diabetes team members. Between Nov-2017 and Jul-2018, n = 395 professionals (60% diabetes/endocrinology/internal medicine specialists, 28% fellows) completed the survey. Fifty-nine percent of the specialists, mainly (78%) those completing their fellowship after 2006, reported having received training on D&P during fellowship. Considering specialists reporting training, 43% correctly identified fetal risks of inadequate preconceptional glucose control and 55% maternal risks, 38% identified risks associated with overweight/obesity, and 39% would prescribe hormonal contraception to women with diabetes only if glucose control is good. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our survey suggest the need to improve training and awareness of professionals in the area of diabetes and pregnancy.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease and screening of renal function in type 2 diabetic patients in Finnish primary healthcare.

AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Finnish primary healthcare, and to evaluate the screening for CKD and the proportions of patients receiving antihyperglycemic and cardiovascular preventive medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: T2D patients treated at the Rovaniemi Health Center, Finland during the years 2015-2019. Data included patient characteristics, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid levels, kidney function and albuminuria, and medications prescribed. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.72 m2 and/or albuminuria. RESULTS: The study population comprised of 5112 T2D patients with a mean (SD) age of 66.7 (13.0) years. Of these, 60.2% were screened for CKD with both eGFR and albuminuria, and 30.1% of these patients had CKD. The prevalence of moderately increased and severely increased albuminuria was 19.6% and 3.2%, respectively. A total of 57.0% of the study population received angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). CONCLUSIONS: Screening for CKD with both recommended measures (eGFR and albuminuria) was insufficiently performed among this T2D population. Additionally, just over half of the study population had been prescribed ACE inhibitors or ARB. These results suggest an incongruity between the gold standard of diabetes care and real-world clinical practice.

Influence of the Mediterranean and Ketogenic Diets on Cognitive Status and Decline: A Narrative Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of senile dementia, accounting for up to 70% of dementia cases. AD is a slowly progressive disease, which causes global mental deterioration by affecting various cognitive areas. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that lifestyle habits and nutritional patterns could delay the natural course of the neurodegeneration process. There is no single dietary pattern unequivocally proven to prevent AD. Nevertheless, epidemiological data suggest that by adopting several dietary habits, especially if accompanied with a healthy lifestyle, the negative consequences of AD could potentially be delayed. Alongside with others, two specific eating patterns have been well investigated concerning their potential beneficial effect on cognitive status: the Mediterranean diet (MedDi) and the Ketogenic Diet (KD). Despite the different underlying mechanisms, both of them have demonstrated a fairly profitable role in reducing or delaying cognitive impairment. The aim of the present narrative review is to overview the existing research on the efficacy of MedDi and KD against AD-related cognitive decline, focusing on the proposed protective mechanisms of action. Although the current knowledge on this complex topic does not allow us, at this point, to make exhaustive conclusions, this information could be of help in order to better characterize the possible role of MedDi and KD as nonpharmacological therapies in the treatment of AD and, more generically, of neurodegenerative disorders.

"MySweetGestation": A novel smartphone application for women with or at risk of diabetes during pregnancy.

Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have been recently introduced as an easily accessible tool for providing information to pregnant women with diabetes. Despite the growing number of apps on the topic "diabetes & pregnancy", a smartphone app offering comprehensive and individualized information to both women (before and during gestation) and their healthcare professionals was still missing. To overcome this lack, the Italian Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group conceived and realized in 2016 a novel mobile app called "MySweetGestation". It is designed to be an interactive educational tool for both patients and physicians not expert in the field. Through an interactive way of learning, it provides validated information to the user, focusing on different area of interest: from prevention and risk factors for developing diabetes during pregnancy to treatment and follow-up strategies after gestation. Three years since its publication, MySweetGestation has been downloaded in different western and eastern countries worldwide, suggesting a widespread social impact. Easily accessible personalized information made available via mHealth technology may be of great importance to spread controlled information among the pregnant population. MySweetGestation, being an interactive educational device for both patients and healthcare professionals, may contribute to improve the management of pregnant women with diabetes.

Guidelines for the screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes in Italy from 2010 to 2019: critical issues and the potential for improvement.

AIMS: In 2010, Italian health professionals rapidly implemented the one-step screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on a 75 g OGTT, to comply with the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG). The change was promoted by the two main Italian scientific societies of diabetology, Associazione Medici Diabetologi (AMD) and Società Italiana di Diabetologia (SID), and it took just a few months for the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, together with several scientific societies, to revise the criteria and include them in the National Guidelines System. Over the last 9 years, the implementation of these guidelines has shown some benefits and some drawbacks. METHODS: In order to evaluate the critical issues arisen from the implementation of the current Italian guidelines for the diagnosis of GDM, the studies published on this topic have been reviewed. The search was performed using the following keywords: "gestational diabetes" AND "diagnostic criteria" OR screening AND Ital*. The study is an expert opinion paper, based on the relevant scientific literature published between 2010 and 2019. The databases screened for the literature review included PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus. RESULTS: The implementation of the Guidelines for Screening and Diagnosis of GDM in Italy present some strengths and some weaknesses. One of the positive aspects is that high-risk women are required to perform an OGTT early in pregnancy. By contrast, there are several aspects in need of improvement: (1) In spite of the current indications, only a minority of high-risk women perform OGTT early in pregnancy; (2) several low-risk women are screened for GDM; (3) in some low-risk women affected by GDM, the diagnosis might be missed with the application of the current guidelines; (4) there is a lack of homogeneity in the risk assessment data from different regions. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve the current Italian GDM guidelines, some practical solutions have been suggested.