No relationship between pregnancy complications and variations in blood glucose levels among nondiabetic women

Research using high-risk pregnant women suggests that postprandial blood glucose levels at the high end of normal are associated with greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes than low-normal levels. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships between pregnancy complications and glucose levels in low-risk pregnant women. Based on 2-hour postprandial glucose testing at 27 to 33 weeks, 337 women with normal reproductive histories were divided into three groups: group A, glucose < 5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL), group B, 5.6 to 6.6 mmol/L (100 to 119 mg/dL), and group C, 6.7 to 9.1 mmol/L (120 to 164 mg/dL). Women with glucose levels ≥ 9.2 mmol/L (165 mg/dL) were excluded. The groups were compared to detect differences in rates of various maternal outcomes (preeclampsia, ceasrean delivery, forceps delivery) and neonatal outcomes (macrosomia, Apgar scores, prematurity, fetal death, infant death, congenital anomalies). No significant differences were found. These data indicate that variations in maternal glucose tolerance (within the normal range) are not associated with adverse outcomes in normal pregnant women.