Glycemic Variability During Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery

Overview

Pregnancies after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) are linked to increased incidence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates. Hypoglycemia and glucose variability (GV) are known determinants of fetal growth; however, their impact on neonatal birth weight in pregnancies after MBS remains unclear. This study aims to assess whether glycemic profiles in these pregnancies are associated with fetal growth and to determine if specific GV parameters can predict growth restriction and SGA neonates. This is a single-center prospective cohort study of pregnant women previously post-MBS who underwent intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) once for trimester of pregnancy, allowing their glycemic profile to be analyzed. The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the extent to which the glycemic profile of pregnant women after MBS impacts fetal growth, and to identify which specific GV parameters may be used to predict fetal growth restriction and SGA neonates.

Prespecified clinical data for both participants and their newborns were collected from electronic medical records - neonates were then classified as appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) or small-for-gestational- age (SGA). The glucose sensors were placed by the clinical team during the appointments in the back of the arm, and participants were trained on the appropriate use of the devices. All women were followed up by a multidisciplinary antenatal care team comprising obstetricians, endocrinologists, and dietitians. Standard pregnancy management included regular outpatient appointments for clinical follow-up and laboratory assessments of nutritional status.