Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains a common pregnancy complication, affecting 6-15% of pregnancies worldwide. The incidence of GDM is expected to continue its global upward trend in light of the growing obesity epidemic and delayed childbearing. GDM is associated with adverse short- and long-term maternal and offspring outcomes. Neonatal hypoglycemia, as a result of fetal hyperinsulinemia, occurs in up to 35% of pregnancies complicated by GDM with potential long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. In that regard, significant emphasis has been placed on the prevention of neonatal hypoglycemia through optimal maternal glycemic control. Available data are conflicting as to the contribution of intrapartum glycemia to neonatal glycemia.
Moreover, national guidelines for the management of intrapartum glucose in women with GDM are lacking. This is likely due to a lack of high-quality data on the topic. As far as we are aware, only one single center randomized controlled trial has been published on the topic. That study’s findings suggest that an approach to a more liberalized intrapartum glycemic management was not associated with a higher rate of neonatal hypoglycemia compared to a tight glycemic control regimen. We propose to replicate these findings in a different population at our institution. If this more relaxed approach to intrapartum glycemic management is confirmed to be safe to women and their babies, its clinical application has the potential to decrease the inconvenience of frequent finger pricks for our patients during labor and allow more efficient allocation of resources for the nursing staff on an already labor-intensive unit.
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