Associations between Breastfeeding and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Glycemic Control in Parous Women: A Nationwide, Population-Based Study

Integration of nutrigenomics, melatonin, serotonin and inflammatory cytokines in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus is an important public health problem and has been associated with the development of pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence. The interaction is related to hyperglycemia, and inflammatory and hormonal patterns, which favor functional alterations in different organs and systems. Several genes associated with human diseases have been identified and partially characterized. Most of these genes are known to cause monogenic diseases. However, about 3 % of diseases do not fit the monogenic theory due to the complex interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors, as in chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The nutritional, immunological, and hormonal patterns associated with changes in maternal metabolism may influence and contribute to greater susceptibility to urinary tract disorders. However, early systematic reviews have not yielded consistent findings for these associations. This literature review summarizes important new findings from integrating nutrigenomics, hormones, and cytokines in women with Gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy-specific urinary incontinence. Changes in maternal metabolism due to hyperglycemia can generate an inflammatory environment with increased inflammatory cytokines. This environment modulated by inflammation can alter tryptophan uptake through food and thus influence the production of serotonin and melatonin. As these hormones seem to have protective effects against smooth muscle dysfunction and to restore the impaired contractility of the detrusor muscle, it is assumed that these changes may favor the onset of urinary incontinence specific to pregnancy.

Association of lactation with maternal risk of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

AIM

To investigate the association between lactation and maternal risk of type 2 diabetes, including a potential graded association according to lactation duration.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that investigated the reported association between lactation (irrespective of duration, intensity or mode) and maternal risk of type 2 diabetes was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies (17 cohort studies and five cross-sectional studies) were included in this systematic review, and 16 contributed to the meta-analysis. Studies that investigated the association of lactation with risk of type 2 diabetes in the first months after birth in women with gestational diabetes reported conflicting results. Studies with a longer follow-up showed a graded protective association for lactation and the risk of type 2 diabetes, with a potentially larger risk reduction in women with gestational diabetes than in those without gestational diabetes. Overall, ever versus never lactation was associated with a 27% lower risk of type 2 diabetes (RR 0.73, 95% CI [0.65, 0.83]). Each additional month of lactation was associated with a 1% lower risk of type 2 diabetes (RR 0.99, 95% CI [0.98, 0.99]). However, the overall quality of the studies was modest.

CONCLUSIONS

Lactation is associated with a significantly reduced risk of maternal type 2 diabetes over the life course, particularly in women with gestational diabetes. The protective effect seems to increase with longer duration of lactation. Further research is warranted to understand whether this association is modified by exposure to other risk factors.

Updates in Gestational Diabetes Prevalence, Treatment, and Health Policy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and increased maternal risk for subsequent type 2 diabetes. The best diagnostic strategy for GDM is debated and the role of oral antidiabetic medications (OAD) for treatment is unclear. In this paper, we review methods of GDM diagnosis, updates in GDM therapy, and interventions to reduce future type 2 diabetes in women with a history of GDM.

RECENT FINDINGS

A "one-step" screening protocol for GDM using 75-g, 2-h oral glucose tolerance testing at 24-28 weeks gestation is recommended by the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. This strategy identifies a milder degree of hyperglycemia and thus increases GDM prevalence. Studies indicate that in these cases of mild hyperglycemia, treatment decreases pregnancy and neonatal complications. Insulin analogues including detemir, aspart, and lispro have been shown to be safe in pregnancy with a pregnancy category B classification. Growing literature suggests that sulfonylureas cross the placenta and are associated with increased incidence of macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia. Telephone or online diabetes prevention program (DPP)-based interventions for women with GDM have shown encouraging results in pilot studies. Insurance coverage remains a barrier. Additional studies are needed to determine the safety of OAD in pregnancy. Public policy supporting DPP could help improve patient access to these proven interventions.