Exploring Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

(1)

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose metabolism disorder that typically develops in the second half of pregnancy, transforming a normal pregnancy into a high-risk condition, with both short- and long-term complications for the mother and the fetus. Achieving optimal glycaemic control during pregnancy is essential for preventing these outcomes and could be realized using continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMSs). This systematic review aims to evaluate the role of the CGMS as a potential diagnostic aid and predictor of maternal and fetal outcomes in GDM. (2)

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines (protocol ID: CRD42024559169), we performed a literature search using the terms "(continuous glucose monitoring system OR CGMS) AND (gestational diabetes mellitus OR GDM)" in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. (3)

Results

Twelve studies were included, all reporting data on CGMS use in pregnancies complicated by GDM. The data included in our analysis are heterogeneous, the results suggesting that the CGMS may offer several advantages such as improved glycaemic control (by avoiding hyper- and hypoglycaemia), better gestational weight management, timely initiation of pharmacologic treatment, lower rates of preeclampsia, and improved neonatal outcomes. (4)

Conclusions

the CGMS offers a more detailed assessment of both maternal and fetal exposure to high glucose levels, which could lead to earlier detection of those at risk for GDM complications and better guide treatment regimens, especially timely pharmacological intervention. While the current data are heterogeneous, reporting both limited or no benefits and superior benefits compared to the classic monitoring, larger longitudinal studies are mandatory to validate these findings and to better refine the role of CGMS in the monitoring and management of GDM.