Allostatic Load During the Interconception Period in Women Who Had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus [14C]. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herrman, Sarah; Hobel, Calvin; Shalowitz, Madeleine; Ramey, Sharon
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 129 (2017)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000514326.09666.6f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition disproportionately affecting racial/ethnic minorities, but the reasons for this disparity remain unclear. GDM in one pregnancy also greatly predicts GDM in future pregnancies. Allostatic load (AL) measures cumulative effects of physical and psychological stress on multiple body systems. Directly measuring and monitoring AL presents a novel way of assessing health risk biomarkers in mothers. We aim to determine the relationship between maternal AL and GDM in the interconception period. METHODS: Data collection occurred through the 5-site NIH Community Child Health Network. AL was analyzed as an absolute value plus individual indices to determine associations to GDM at both 6 and 12 months postpartum. ANOVAs were performed to assess relationships between AL, stress, and resiliency in women with and without GDM. RESULTS: There are significant differences in AL between the GDM (N=61) and non-GDM (N=1421) groups at 6 and 12 months (P < .001), particularly in the African-American group at both time points (P < .001). There was no significant change in AL from 6 to 12 months postpartum for either group. There were no significant differences between the groups for self-reported measures of stress and resiliency. Total chronic life stress is significantly correlated with AL at both times for both groups (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Differences in AL between mothers with and without GDM highlights a worse picture of health postpartum for women with GDM, especially African-American women. Women with increased AL and GDM need more rigorous and focused interconception care in order to prevent GDM and improve overall health.