Gestational diabetes mellitus: metabolic and blood glucose parameters in singleton versus twin pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared the frequency, glucose tolerance test results, and parameters of blood glucose control in twin and singleton pregnancies associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and carbohydrate intolerance.


METHODS
Twin and singleton pregnancies associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and carbohydrate intolerance were compared as follows: frequency, maternal age, weight, 1-hour screen, glucose tolerance test results, posttreatment blood glucose values, insulin requirement, and insulin dose. Statistical analysis included the chi(2) and Student t tests.


RESULTS
Gestational diabetes mellitus was increased in twins (7.7% vs 4.1%; P <.05). The maternal weight at first visit was significantly less, and the 3-hour glucose tolerance test value was significantly greater than that for singletons. The other parameters were not different.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and disturbance of the 3-hour glucose tolerance test in twin pregnancies. However, insulin requirements were not different, suggesting a mild disturbance of carbohydrate tolerance that was effectively managed by the strategies used to achieve blood glucose control in singletons.
Schwartz
D B
DB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Daoud
Y
Y
Zazula
P
P
Goyert
G
G
Bronsteen
R
R
Wright
D
D
Copes
J
J
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001835:Body Weight; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000097:blood; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007700:Kinetics; D008423:Maternal Age; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000097:blood*; D014427:Twins
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin