More diagnosed with gestational diabetes

CHICAGO, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Blood-sugar levels once considered normal for pregnant women are not safe for baby or mother, researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois said.

Lead author Boyd Metzger and an international group of 50 experts concluded a fasting blood-sugar level of 92 or higher, a one-hour level of 180 or higher on a glucose tolerance test or a two-hour level of 153 or higher on a glucose tolerance test constitute serious risks to the mother and baby. Previously, these levels had been considered in the safe, normal range, and two elevated levels were required for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, Metzger said.

Metzger said the study is based on 23,000 women in nine countries.

Blood-sugar levels that were once considered in the normal range are now seen as causing a sharp increase in the occurrence of overweight babies with high insulin levels, early deliveries and other complications, the study said.

Previous guidelines to diagnose gestational diabetes were based on blood-sugar levels that identified women at high risk for developing diabetes in the future. The guidelines weren't related to risks to the baby or other risks to the mother.

The study is scheduled to be published in the March issue of Diabetes Care.