Maternal Characteristics Influencing the Development of Gestational Diabetes in Obese Women Receiving 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate

OBJECTIVE Gestational diabetes (GDM) and obesity portend a high risk for subsequent type 2 diabetes. We examined maternal factors influencing the development of gestational diabetes (GDM) in obese women receiving 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17OHPC) for preterm delivery prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospectively identified were 899 singleton pregnancies with maternal prepregnancy body mass indices of ≥30 kg/m(2) enrolled for either 17OHPC weekly administration (study group) or daily uterine monitoring and nursing assessment (control group). Patients with history of diabetes type 1, 2, or GDM were excluded. Maternal characteristics were compared between groups and for women with and without development of GDM. A logistic regression model was performed on incidence of GDM, controlling for significant univariate factors. RESULTS The overall incidence of GDM in the 899 obese women studied was 11.9%. The incidence of GDM in the study group (n = 491) was 13.8% versus 9.6% in the control group (n = 408) (P = 0.048). Aside from earlier initiation of 17OHP and advanced maternal age, other factors including African American race, differing degrees of obesity, and use of tocolysis were not significant risks for the development of GDM. CONCLUSION In obese women with age greater than 35 years, earlier initiation of 17OHPC may increase the risk for GDM.