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Many women may face pregnancy complications associated with weight and blood sugar

Category: Diabetes

Blood testing for glucose levels may be critical for all pregnant women. A new study has found that even modest elevations in blood sugar, when combined with being somewhat overweight, can lead to potentially serious pregnancy complications.

The Northwestern University researchers who conducted the study said that obesity and gestational diabetes are recognized risk factors for complications. However, their study is among the first to show that even moderate metabolic problems may constitute a substantial danger.

For the study, the team examined the records of more than 23,000 births. The findings showed that the babies of women who were slightly overweight and had moderately high blood sugar were 214 grams heavier than average babies. These newborns were heavier than the babies of women with either gestational diabetes or obesity.

The team said the findings are significant because many doctors may not counsel women who are only somewhat overweight or have slightly elevated glucose levels about the dangers associated with their metabolic condition. They said the results indicate that more doctors should pay attention to these types of risk factors.