Qatar Birth Cohort Study Reveals Diabetes and Thyroid Trends in Pregnancy

In a groundbreaking revelation, the Qatar Birth Cohort Study sheds light on the health landscape of pregnant women in the region. The study, conducted by Qatar Biobank, discloses that diabetes and thyroid issues are more prevalent among expectant mothers in Qatar.

According to this pioneering Middle East study, approximately 33% of pregnant women face diabetes challenges, with 30% grappling with gestational diabetes and 3% with diabetes. Additionally, 19% of expectant mothers experience thyroid dysfunction.

The Qatar Birth Cohort Study aims to unravel the intricate web of factors influencing fetal growth and the well-being of both mother and child. Pioneering this initiative, Qatar Biobank intends to enroll 3,000 families, spanning across mothers, fathers, and children, meticulously tracking their journey until the child reaches the age of five.

This study uniquely focuses on chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and mental health issues, which exhibit higher prevalence rates in Qatar compared to other global regions.

"Findings from our Qatar Birth Cohort Study uncover a significant prevalence of diabetes among pregnant women, with thyroid issues closely trailing behind," emphasized Qatar Biobank on the X platform.

The study involves a comprehensive clinical assessment for pregnant women, including blood and biological sample collection, coupled with lifestyle questionnaires, at 12–15 weeks of pregnancy. Follow-ups occur in the third trimester and during delivery. The child's development is tracked at various intervals up to the age of five, with fathers also included in the study.

Qatar Biobank's 2022/2023 annual report reveals the recruitment of over 400 pregnant women to date, with 28% being Qataris, 54% representing other Arab nationalities, and 17% from other non-Arab nationalities.

From the wealth of data collected, 210 medical referrals have been made, encompassing mothers and fathers. Dyslipidaemia, diabetes, and abnormal thyroid function tests emerged as primary concerns, with common medical conditions among fathers including eczema/dermatitis, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular issues.

The Qatar Birth Cohort Study not only pioneers scientific exploration but also contributes significantly to understanding and addressing health challenges specific to the region, paving the way for informed healthcare interventions.