Defining Research and Care in Diabetes in Pregnancy: Introduction to the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of North America 25th Anniversary Biannual Meeting Special Edition

The Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of North America (DPSG-NA) has been instrumental in fostering research, enhancing clinical care, and encouraging young investigators to pursue diabetes in pregnancy research. Since its inception in 1997 as a small group of maternal–fetal medicine specialists, the DPSG-NA has served as a catalyst for research by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, data, and findings among basic, translational, and clinical researchers.[1] This collaborative environment has facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and the development of evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for pregnant individuals with diabetes and their infants.

We thank the Editors of the American Journal of Perinatology for the opportunity to share the most significant topics discussed at the 25^th anniversary meeting of the DPSG-NA titled “Defining Research and Care in Diabetes in Pregnancy.” We include 14 expert reviews that encompass fundamental, translational, clinical, and public health research that were presented at the meeting from October 26 to 28, 2023 in Fairfax, VA.

This group has met biennially over the last 25 years at different locations across the US. Through engaging a new generation of leaders in diabetes in pregnancy research and care, the DPSG-NA aims to be a vehicle for the continued dissemination of data gathered through collaboration among researchers nationally and globally. The DPSG-NA has also played a crucial role in suggesting improvements in medical protocols for treating pregnant individuals with diabetes. In addition, the group actively encourages the participation of young clinicians and researchers, providing them with opportunities to present their work and engage with established experts in the field.

The rate of diabetes mellitus (DM), including type 1 and 2 DM, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has more than doubled in the United States in the past decade.[2] In 2021, over 2% of pregnant individuals were living with pregestational diabetes, making it one of the most frequent medical comorbidities in pregnancy.[3] In addition, another 8% of pregnant individuals were affected by GDM, making it one of the most frequent medical complications of pregnancy.[4] Despite advances in the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy, the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes remains persistently high among groups who experience a higher burden of adverse social determinants of health.[5] Increasingly, studies highlight the impact of diabetes in pregnancy on long-term maternal and child cardiometabolic health across the life course and potentially across generations.[6]

In the 25th anniversary meeting of the DPSG-NA, topics presented were a tribute to both founding physicians in the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy as well as a presentation of contemporary topics that affect pregnant individuals living with diabetes. Three lifetime achievement awardees were recognized for their contributions to diabetes in pregnancy research, including Drs. Steve Gabbe, Jane Khoury, and David Sacks. The meeting included multiple keynote lectures highlighting ongoing research, including prediction and prevention of obstetrical complications,[7] novel antidiabetes medications, and delaying progression of type 1 diabetes. In addition, sessions focused on glycemic targets in pregnancy and the evolving role of continuous glucose monitoring. Finally, the conference focused on the role that adverse social determinants of health have on clinical outcomes for individuals with diabetes in pregnancy.

In summary, the DPSG-NA has made substantial contributions to the advancement of research, the enhancement of clinical care, and the nurturing of young investigators in the field of diabetes in pregnancy. The DSPG-NA is committed to being an inclusive and diverse group of investigators, scientists, and clinicians, committed to improving outcomes for pregnant individuals and their families affected by diabetes. We gratefully acknowledge participants and contributors to the conference and look forward to the next biennial conference of the DPSG-NA for its next Biannual Conference to be held in Fairfax, Virginia. We look forward to maintaining our collective commitment to advancing the future of clinical care and research in diabetes in pregnancy.

Publication History

Received: 19 July 2024

Accepted: 21 August 2024

Article published online:
10 September 2024

• References

• 1 Rosen JA, Langer O, Reece EA, Miodovnik M. The history and contributions of the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group of North America (1997-2015). Am J Perinatol 2016; 33 (13) 1223-1226
• 2 Tönnies T, Brinks R, Isom S. et al. Projections of type 1 and type 2 diabetes burden in the U.S. population aged <20 years through 2060: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study. Diabetes Care 2023; 46 (02) 313-320
• 3 Deputy NP, Kim SY, Conrey EJ, Bullard KM. Prevalence and changes in preexisting diabetes and gestational diabetes among women who had a live birth - United States, 2012-2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018; 67 (43) 1201-1207
• 4 Shah NS, Wang MC, Freaney PM. et al. Trends in gestational diabetes at first live birth by race and ethnicity in the US, 2011-2019. JAMA 2021; 326 (07) 660-669
• 5 Venkatesh K, Lynch C, Powe C. et al. Risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes by race and ethnicity in the United States, 2014–2020. JAMA 2022; 327 (14) 1356-1367
• 6 Lowe Jr WL, Scholtens DM, Lowe LP. et al; HAPO Follow-up Study Cooperative Research Group. Association of gestational diabetes with maternal disorders of glucose metabolism and childhood adiposity. JAMA 2018; 320 (10) 1005-1016
• 7 Romero R, Jung E, Chaiworapongsa T. et al. Toward a new taxonomy of obstetrical disease: improved performance of maternal blood biomarkers for the great obstetrical syndromes when classified according to placental pathology. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227 (04) 615.e1-615.e25