Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of glucose intolerance characterized by onset or detection during pregnancy. The incidence of GDM is increasing across all provinces and territories. Both pre-existing diabetes and GDM are associated with an increased risk of obstetrical complications and adverse fetal outcomes. In addition, a history of GDM is associated with increased risk of GDM in future pregnancies and development of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life.  

We are characterizing this unique population of women, the patterns of care that they receive during pregnancy, as well as their pregnancy, neonatal and breastfeeding outcomes. We are also examining how the persistence or development of postpartum risk factors are associated with adverse outcomes in later life and in subsequent pregnancies. With this data we will develop predictive models capable of identifying populations at highest risk of GDM and other outcomes associated with hyperglycemia in pregnancy.  

Funding :

• Gestational weight loss in obese women and risk for adverse perinatal outcomes: a population-based retrospective cohort study. Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Project Grant: Priority Announcement: Data Analysis Using Existing Databases and Cohorts. Principal Applicants: Guo Y, El-Chaar D. ($75,000 CAD) (2021) 
• An epidemiologic research program to improve maternal and child health. Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Foundation Grant. Principal Applicants: Walker MC, Wen SW. ($9,876,973)(2016-2022; extended to 2026) 

• Corsi DJ. Spatialepidemiology of diabetes and tuberculosis in India. Jama Network Open. 2020: 3(5):e203892. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.3892 
• Swaminathan G, Swaminathan A, Corsi DJ. Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in India by Individual Socioeconomic, Demographic, and Clinical Factors. JAMA Network Open. 2020; 3(11):e2025075. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.25074 
• Guo Y, Corsi D, Retnakaran R, Walker MC, Wen SW. Caucasian and Asian difference in role of type 1 diabetes on large-for-gestational-age neonates. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.  2020; 8(2):e001746. doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001746