Gestational diabetes mellitus and COVID-19: The epidemic during the pandemic

Abstract

During the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, people worldwide have experienced an unprecedented rise in psychological distress and anxiety. In addition to this challenging situation, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), a hidden epidemic, has been steadily increasing in recent years. Lower-middle-income countries have faced significant barriers in providing accessible prenatal care and promoting a healthy diet for pregnant women, and the pandemic has made these challenges even more difficult to overcome. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing complications such as hyper-tension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, all of which can have adverse implications for both maternal and fetal health. The occurrence of gestational diabetes has been on the rise, and it is possible that the pandemic has worsened its prevalence. Although data is limited, studies conducted in Italy and Canada suggest that the pandemic has had an impact on gestational diabetes rates, especially among women in their first trimester of pregnancy. The significant disruptions to daily routines caused by the pandemic, such as limited exercise options, indicate a possible link between COVID-19 and an increased likelihood of experiencing higher levels of weight gain during pregnancy. Notably, individuals in the United States with singleton pregnancies are at a significantly higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain, making this association particularly important to consider. Although comprehensive data is currently lacking, it is important for clinical researchers to explore the possibility of establishing correlations between the stress experienced during the pandemic, its consequences such as gestational gain weight, and the increasing incidence of gestational DM. This knowledge would contribute to better preventive measures and support for pregnant individuals during challenging times.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Gestational diabetes; Stress; Social determinants; Pandemic; COVID-19; Diabetes type 1; Diabetes type 2; Insulin; Diabetes mellitus treatment

Core Tip: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has caused a rise in psychological distress on a global scale, overlapping with an increase in cases of diabetes mellitus. Women, in particular those residing in lower-middle-income countries, stumble upon difficulties for a decent prenatal care and maintaining nutritious diets. Pregnant women who have a higher susceptibility to gestational diabetes may face long-term health consequences for both them and their unborn child. Recent studies suggest a potential link between the pandemic and elevated rates of gestational diabetes. Additional research is necessary to establish a conclusive correlation between the impact of pandemic-induced stress, gestational gain weight, and the outcomes of pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes.