New research performed at Nepean Hospital is revealing promising results for women who may develop gestational diabetes, one of the fastest growing types of diabetes in Australia.
Dr Emily Hibbert’s research has found that earlier treatment for gestational diabetes leads to better health outcomes
It’s hoped that findings from the research will lead to better health outcomes and fewer complications for expectant mothers and their babies.
Routinely tested for with an oral glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks gestation, gestational diabetes is diagnosed by measuring the blood sugar levels of a parent before and after the consumption of a sugary drink to understand how their body is processing glucose.
A recent international study, led by Western Sydney University, explored the effectiveness of earlier treatment of gestational diabetes – before 20 weeks gestation – for those who had a high diabetes risk factor.
Across hospitals in Australia, Sweden, Austria and India, 802 women had their pregnancy assessed, with researchers comparing the outcomes of women who initiated earlier treatment to those who were treated at the regular recommended treatment time.
Results from the study showed that at birth, babies whose parents had an earlier intervention for gestational diabetes, not only had complications such as respiratory distress or broken bones prevented, but were also less likely to require specialty care within hospital.
Results from the study showed that at birth, babies whose parents had an earlier intervention for gestational diabetes, not only had complications such as respiratory distress or broken bones prevented, but were also less likely to require specialty care within hospital.
Nepean Hospital Head of Department for Endocrinology, Dr Emily Hibbert, one of the lead researchers of the study, says the findings have the potential to greatly improve maternal and infant health.
“We’re always aiming to improve the quality of life for both mother and child during pregnancy and birth. The study shows that earlier treatment is leading to better health outcomes for everyone involved,” says Emily, who is also an Associate Professor at the Nepean Clinical School for the University of Sydney.
“Earlier treatment led to over 1 in 20 babies being born less likely having a severe complication such as nerve damage, damaged bones, or becoming stuck in the mother’s birth canal. Further, babies who may have experienced breathing difficulties were halved.”
“Mothers also benefitted as babies that were delivered had less fat. Over 75 per cent of the women treated early avoided complications such as a severe perineal injury.”
Further research is now underway to confirm evidence from the trial and also analyse how early women should be tested in pregnancy for gestational diabetes.
