According to the new study published, an analysis of data from nearly 5 million women showed that those who experienced low blood sugar before pregnancy were more susceptible to negative pregnancy outcomes, such as premature birth or low birth weight. Glucose, a type of sugar, is the primary energy source in the body. When blood glucose levels are too high (known as hyperglycemia, which occurs in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes) or too low (hypoglycemia), health risks may arise. However, few studies have examined whether low blood sugar before pregnancy is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes in women without diabetes.
To clarify this, scientists analyzed retrospective data from 4.8 million women in the national free pre-pregnancy screening project. Researchers examined the relationship between low blood sugar before pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. A total of 239,128 women experienced low blood sugar before pregnancy. Compared to women with normal blood sugar levels before pregnancy, they had a higher risk of negative pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, or congenital anomalies.
However, the risks associated with low blood sugar before pregnancy varied among women with different body mass index (BMI) categories. For instance, underweight women were more prone to miscarriage, while overweight women were less likely to have a large baby. The results highlight the importance of pre-pregnancy screening to prevent and manage reproductive health risks for all women planning to conceive. They emphasize the need for comprehensive screening and coordinated interventions for abnormal blood sugar levels before and during pregnancy, which is crucial for timely intervention and reducing the risks of negative pregnancy outcomes.
Based on these findings, the researchers suggest the potential use of pre-pregnancy low blood sugar screening to improve pregnancy outcomes.
