Antidepressant Use is Linked to a Higher Risk of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is prevalent in the Philippines, with data obtained from the Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies Study Group on Diabetes in Pregnancy showing that the prevalence of this condition stands at 14 percent. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a serious condition that can harm the health both of the mother and baby. It increases the likelihood of early birth and respiratory distress syndrome for the baby, and ups the chance of mothers developing Type 2 diabetes. In order to prevent this condition, health professionals in the Philippines often advise pregnant women to control their weight and adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle.

However, a new study shows that there is an additional factor that should be taken into account when assessing one’s risk of GDM: antidepressant use.

A Study on Taking Antidepressants while Pregnant

The above-mentioned study, carried out by A Bérard et al at the University of Montreal in Canada, found that two antidepressants in particular – venlafaxine and amitriptyline – are linked to a higher risk of GDM (27% and 52%, respectively). Bérard states that depression should indeed be treated during pregnancy. However, they should speak with their team of health professionals to choose the best path to take.

Risk is Linked to Length of Use

The study, which looked into 237,172 pregnancies, found that the effect of these two antidepressants was increased along with length of use. Short-term use of antidepressants as a whole (specifically for serotonin and norepinephrine) was associated with a 15% higher risk, medium-term use with a 17% increased risk, and long-term use with a 29% heightened risk. The study has its limitations (because it was observational), so more research is needed to ascertain whether other factors (e.g. ethnicity) might affect outcomes. Researchers also pointed out that further investigation would be required to find out why antidepressants increase the risk of gestational diabetes. Currently, they believe the answer has to do with the fact that antidepressants are linked to weight gain – which in turn is linked to insulin resistance and problems with the metabolism of glucose.

Women with Depression Should Seek Help

It is important for women who have depression to seek diagnosis and treatment. This is especially true if they are pregnant, because there are many health risks that can affect both mother and baby if depression is left untreated. Just a few include preterm birth, higher rates of cesarean delivery, developmental delays, an increase in the severeness of depression, etc.

Suicide is the number one cause of direct maternal mortality in the first year after death. Research indicates that it is vital that women who are pregnant receive treatment, so as to preserve their and their baby’s health. Studies that show a link between antidepressants and GDM are not to be taken as a reason to forego treatment, simply because health teams can work to find the best solution for each case.