Effect of interpregnancy interval on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus during a second pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract Background Interpregnancy interval (IPI) is associated with the risk of GDM in a second pregnancy. However, an optimal IPI is still need to be determined based on the characteristics of the population. This study aimed to analyze the effect of interpregnancy interval (IPI) on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the Chinese population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study on female participants who had consecutive deliveries at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from 2013 to 2021. The IPI was categorized into 7 groups and included into the multivariate logistic regression model with other confound factors. Analysis was also stratified based on age of first pregnancy, BMI, and history of GDM. Adjusted OR values (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated. The regression coefficient of IPI months on GDM prediction risk was analyzed using a linear regression model. Results A total of 2,392 participants were enrolled. The IPI of the GDM group was significantly greater than that of the non-GDM group (P 0.05). For participants with GDM history, IPI 12–18 months, 24–36 months, 36–48 months, and ≥ 60 months were all significantly associated with the GDM risk (aOR: 2.619, 3.747, 4.356, and 5.373; 95% CI: 1.074–6.386, 1.652–8.499, 1.724–11.005, and 1.078–26.793, respectively), and the slope value of linear regression (0.5161) was significantly higher compared to participants without a history of GDM (0.1891) (F = 284.168, P < 0.001). Conclusions Long IPI increases the risk of GDM in a second pregnancy, but this risk is independent of maternal age. The risk of developing GDM in a second pregnancy for women with GDM history is more significantly affected by IPI.

Keywords

• Gestational diabetes mellitus
• Risk factor
• Interpregnancy interval
• Multivariate logistic regression
• Maternal age