Onset of menstruation found to be associated with increased risk of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), study reveals
-The study, conducted by researchers in Australia, was focused to understand how early menstruation (menarche) was associated with increased risk for diabetes during pregnancy.
-The study analysed data of close to 5,000 women who participated in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health between 2000 and 2012.
-The women were made to answer questionnarie every three to four years. They answered questions regarding the commencement of periods and diagnosis of diabetes during pregnancy.
-The average age at which the women had their first period was under 13 years of age. It was observed that women who had their first period at the age of 11 were at an increased risk of being overweight or obese.
-About 7.5% of the participants (357 women) were reported to be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
-The study revealed that women who got their first period at the age of 11 were 51% more likely to develop gestational diabetes compared to those to started their menstruation at the age of 13.
-Findings were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology