Increased rates of adverse outcomes for gestational diabetes and pre-pregnancy diabetes in on-reserve First Nations Women in Ontario, Canada

Aims — To compare the prevalence of diabetes in pregnancy, pregnancy care and adverse pregnancy outcomes in on-reserve First Nations women vs. non-First Nations women in Ontario, Canada.

Methods — A retrospective population-based cohort study was performed. All 487,368 live singleton hospital deliveries between 1 April 2002 and 31 March 2010 were identified. Outcomes were defined by linking mothers and infants to provincial healthcare administrative databases.

Results — Diabetes in pregnancy was more prevalent in First Nations women (10.3 vs. 6.0%). They received less pregnancy care and had higher rates of adverse outcomes than non-First Nations women with diabetes.

Conclusions — First Nations women are at a higher risk of diabetes in pregnancy and adverse outcomes. This highlights the need for increased care for pregnant First Nations women.