Study finds Métis pregnancies have increased prevalence of pre-existing, gestational diabetes

The University of Alberta analyzed health data from 2006 to 2016 to compare the prevalence of pre-existing and gestational diabetes among Métis births with non-Métis births. It found Métis pregnancies had a 1.72 times higher prevalence of preexisting diabetes and a 1.3 times higher prevalence of gestational diabetes than non-Métis pregnancies. Also, Métis pregnancies with preexisting diabetes had nearly three times the odds of developing preeclampsia, while those with gestational diabetes had 48% higher odds of large-for-gestational-age infants. Researchers conclude interventions to tackle these health inequities should address both physiological and cultural dimensions of health, informed by Métis perspectives.