We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Blood Test Identifies Gestational Diabetes Risk in First Trimester

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 29 Aug 2018
A blood test conducted as early as the 10th week of pregnancy may help identify women at risk for gestational diabetes, a pregnancy-related condition that poses potentially serious health risks for mothers and infants.

Gestational diabetes occurs only in pregnancy and results when the level of blood sugar, or glucose, rises too high. More...
Gestational diabetes increases the mother's chances for high blood pressure disorders of pregnancy and the need for cesarean delivery, and the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Scientists at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD, Bethesda, MD, USA) analyzed records from the NICHD Fetal Growth Study, a large observational study that recruited more than 2,000 low-risk pregnant women from 12 clinical sites in the USA between 2009 and 2013. The team compared HbA1c test results from 107 women who later developed gestational diabetes to test results from 214 women who did not develop the condition. Most of the women had tests at four intervals during pregnancy: early (weeks 8-13), middle (weeks 16-22 and 24-29) and late (weeks 34-37).

HbA1c was measured in an EDTA whole blood sample that was stored at <−70 °C and thawed immediately before analysis. HbA1c was measured using a non-porous ion Exchange High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay using the Tosoh Automated Analyzer HLC-723G8 (Tosoh Bioscience, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA). The assay coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 1.16%.

The investigators found that women who went on to develop gestational diabetes had higher HbA1c levels (an average of 5.3%), compared to those without gestational diabetes (an average HbA1c level of 5.1%). Each 0.1% increase in HbA1c above 5.1% in early pregnancy was associated with a 22% higher risk for gestational diabetes. In middle pregnancy, HbA1c levels declined for both groups. However, HbA1c levels increased in the final third of pregnancy, which is consistent with the decrease in sensitivity to insulin that often occurs during this time period.

Cuilin Zhang, PhD, an adjunct professor and the senior author of the study said, “Our results suggest that the HbA1C test potentially could help identify women at risk for gestational diabetes early in pregnancy, when lifestyle changes may be more effective in reducing their risk.” The study was published on August 16, 2018, in the journal Scientific Reports.

Related Links:
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development


New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Clostridium Difficile Toxin A+B Combo Card Test
CerTest Clostridium Difficile Toxin A+B
New
DNA/RNA Extraction/Purification Kit
Nucleic Acid Extraction or Purification Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: How the predictive test works (Photo courtesy of QMUL)

World’s First Clinical Test Predicts Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK today, causing the immune system to attack its joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA can... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.