A recent study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice demonstrated the urgent need for improved surveillance of kidney complications in Pregestational (PGDM) and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The study aimed to assess the impact of PGDM and GDM on the risk of kidney disease in the postpartum period.
The study included women aged 15- 54. A retrospective study was designed using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010–2020). Deliveries complicated by PGDM and GDM were identified using ICD codes. Researchers assessed primary readmission outcomes for kidney disease in the same year. Exclusion criteria included women who had kidney disease before delivery. The risk of kidney disease readmissions associated with PGDM and GDM was determined using a Cox regression model.
Results showed that among women with PGDM, the adjusted hazard ratio [HR] for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were 9.07 and 20.73, respectively. For women with GDM, the risks of AKI and CKD were 1.25 and 1.34, respectively.
• Pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) is a strong predictor of postpartum kidney complications, indicating a significantly elevated risk for acute and chronic kidney diseases post-delivery.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may lead to increase in kidney disease risk postpartum.
• Increased postpartum surveillance and follow-up care in women with PGDM and GDM may assist in early detection and management of kidney complications.
Backal A, Vasudevan S, Lee R, Rosenfeld EB, Ananth C V. Pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus and risk of postpartum kidney disease: A retrospective cohort study. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published online June 16, 2025:112330. doi:10.1016/J.DIABRES.2025.112330
A study reported an urgent need for improved surveillance of kidney complications in Pregestational (PGDM) and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).