ART versus spontaneous conception: what is the risk of gestational diabetes?

This study investigated the risk of gestational diabetes (GD) with assisted reproductive technology (ART). They found that women that underwent ART had a higher risk of GD compared to spontaneous conception.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an ART. It involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a dish. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is another ART. ICSI involves injecting sperm into the egg. ART has been used for many years. It has helped many couples with fertility issues to have a baby. 

Studies show that women undergoing ART are at higher risk of complications. Gestational diabetes (GD) is a complication of pregnancy. GD occurs when the mother cannot produce enough insulin. This leads to high blood sugar. GD increases the risk of other conditions in pregnancy. These include preeclampsia (PEC). PEC is dangerously high blood pressure and can be fatal. GD also increases the risk of cesarean section. Understanding risk factors for GD is important. It is unclear if GD is more common in women undergoing ART.

This study analyzed 37 other studies on GD in single pregnancies. The authors investigated the rates of GD in these studies. They performed an analysis to determine the risk of GD. What factors may be associated with GD were also analyzed.

The risk of GD was 53% higher in women with ART pregnancies compared to spontaneous pregnancies. The risk of GD was higher in women that underwent IVF compared to ICSI. There was a higher risk of GD with fresh embryo transfer (FrET) compared to frozen embryo transfer (FzET).

The authors concluded that women that underwent ART had a higher risk of GD compared to spontaneous pregnancies.

The studies analyzed were very different. This makes it difficult to compare findings. Other conditions could also influence the risk of GD. More controlled studies are needed.