Gestational diabetes is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy: A case-control study

• Published in: Diabetes & metabolism 2022-07, Vol.48 (4), p.101351-101351, Article 101351
• Main Authors: Radan, Anda-Petronela, Fluri, Mihaela-Madalina, Nirgianakis, Konstantinos, Mosimann, Beatrice, Schlatter, Bettina, Raio, Luigi, Surbek, Daniel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case-Control Studies; COVID-19; COVID-19 - complications; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Diabetes, Gestational - diagnosis; Female; Gestational diabetes; Humans; Original; Pregnancy; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2
• ISSN: 1262-3636; 1878-1780
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2022.101351

Individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and (pre-existing) diabetes, including pregnant women, present with more severe morbidity, as compared to non-diabetic subjects. To date, evidence is limited concerning the role of gestational diabetes (GDM) in severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, or vice versa. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of GDM in a SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant population and evaluate risk factors for and from severe infection in these patients. A case-control study with prospective data collection for the case group and 1:2 matching with historical controls based on parity, BMI and ethnicity was conducted (n = 224). GDM screening was performed at 26 weeks’ gestation. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors for GDM and inpatient COVID-19 management. 34.6% of the patients in the case group suffered from GDM, vs. 16.1% in the control group (p = 0.002). 35.7% patients were diagnosed with GDM after, vs. 33.3% before SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR (95%CI) 1.11(0.40–3.08), p = 0.84), with no correlation between time point of infection and GDM diagnosis. SARS-CoV-2 (OR (95%CI) 2.79 (1.42, 5.47), p = 0.003) and BMI (OR (95%CI) 1.12 (1.05, 1.19), p = 0.001) were significant independent risk factors for GDM. Data suggests that GDM increases the risk of infection in SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women. Meanwhile, SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy might increase the risk of developing GDM. Vaccination and caution in using protective measures should be recommended to pregnant women, particularly when suffering from GDM.