A major review of over 93,000 pregnant women looked at a measure called the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR). This score helps estimate how well the body uses insulin. The study compared women with the highest scores to those with the lowest scores.
The main finding was clear: women with the highest METS-IR scores had about two and a half times the risk of developing gestational diabetes compared to women with the lowest scores. This means their chance of getting the condition was significantly higher.
This research adds to our understanding of how metabolic health before and during pregnancy can affect the risk of gestational diabetes. It highlights the importance of monitoring metabolic factors in pregnant women.
The study was a meta-analysis, combining data from many different studies. While it shows a strong link, it does not prove that the score causes gestational diabetes. Other factors could also play a role.