Endocrine Abstracts

The epidemic of obesity, as well as the reduced physical activity are a complex of reasons for the increase in the frequency of Glucose tolerance disorders. The aim was to analyze the frequency and role of Obesity/Overweight for the development of Hyperglycemia in the Bulgarian population of pregnant women.

Material

We screened 547 pregnant women, mean age 30.49 ± 5.12 years, divided into two groups: with Hyperglycemia (n-79) and with Normoglycemia (n-468).

Methods

Body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and the current one at the time of the study were calculated. A two-hour, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) was performed.

Results

Obesity was found for the whole group before pregnancy in 10.2% (56/547) resp. overweight in 20.1% (110/547). With regard to BMI before pregnancy, this relationship proved to be significant when comparing the mean ranks for Hyperglycemia (Mean Rank 260.42 vs 354.44, P < 0.001), when compared with Normoglycemia in the respective group. We obtained the same significant results in the analysis of the impact of obesity during pregnancy. The mean ranks for Hyperglycemia (Mean Rank 257.24 vs 373.28, P < 0.0001), when compared with the respective group with Normoglycemia. Therefore, women with a higher BMI before and during pregnancy are significantly at risk of developing glucose intolerance during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Obesity affects a large number of young people, but this factor is subject to modification. Young women who are obese/overweight should be consulted prenatally, and if they become pregnant, they should be tested for glucose tolerance disorders as early as possible.