Endocrine Abstracts

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition of pregnancy, with significant associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Differing screening methods result in differing incidences of the condition, with more cases being diagnosed using the one-step vs the two-step method. Previously, we conducted a prospective cohort study comparing pregnancy outcomes of 961 participants across two centres using two differing screening methods and found similar pregnancy outcomes in the whole group, with a higher incidence of GDM in the one-step group (19.3 vs 14.1%). The aim of this study was to identify if any differences in outcomes existed in selected subgroups studied. We divided the cohort into 4 groups, as follows: group 1, one-step method with GDM; group 2, one-step method without GDM; group 3, two-step method with GDM; group 4, two-step method without GDM. We performed comparative analysis between these groups. GDM was associated with a higher BMI in both the one- and two-step groups. Participants in group 1 had a lower average birth weight than those in group 2, thought to reflect earlier average delivery gestation as well as appropriate management of GDM in those diagnosed. No significant differences were found between groups testing positive for GDM. When comparing those without GDM, group 2 had a lower average age and higher BMI than group 4. Higher rates of neonatal hypoglycaemia were seen in group 2, and higher pre-term birth rates were seen in in group 4 (9% vs 4%, P = 0.004), which warrants further attention.