Reactive hypoglycemia (RH) during pregnancy poses a significant health burden due to its impact on maternal and fetal well-being. Characterized by a sharp drop in blood sugar levels following meals, RH is often seen in individuals with high insulin sensitivity or metabolic irregularities. Although global data on RH incidence in pregnancy is limited, studies suggest it may affect up to 15% of pregnant women, with an even higher prevalence expected in populations with carbohydrate-rich diets. In Indonesia, where high-glycemic meals are common, the risk of RH during pregnancy is likely elevated, particularly among those with histories of gestational diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues.
RH is associated with placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and NICU admissions. A poignant reminder of its seriousness occurred within the Indonesian Prenatal Institute (IPI), where a mother experiencing of Pre-Eclampsia, FGR, and Stillbirth (with Reactive Hypoglycemia). This highlighted the urgent need for deeper understanding, better monitoring, and preventive strategies for RH in pregnancy.
To address these concerns, the webinar “Reactive Hypoglycemia: A New Type of Diabetes in Pregnancy” was held on January 28, 2025, organized by BBPK Jakarta in collaboration with IPI. Attended by 142 participants, the event brought together experts from various fields, including obstetrics, clinical pathology, and maternal-fetal medicine, to discuss key questions:
- Does RH influence maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly regarding small babies, FGR, and NICU admissions?
- What strategies, such as lifestyle modifications and blood glucose monitoring, can reduce potential risks when RH is detected?
- Is there an association between RH and placental-related disorders due to insulin resistance and other non-specific placental pathologies?
Esteemed speakers—Dr. Aditya Kusuma, SpOG, KFM, Dr. Adly Nanda Al Fattah, SpOG, Dr. Muhammad Pradhiki, Dr. John Ciaran Hutchinson, and Prof. Dimitrios Siassakos—shared valuable insights through case presentations, systematic reviews, and unpublished clinical data from UCLH and Bristol. Dr. Hutchinson provided a pathologist’s perspective on undiagnosed diabetic placenta and its link to stillbirth, further emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.
The Indonesian Prenatal Institute extends its gratitude to all speakers and participants for their commitment to improving maternal health and addressing the challenges posed by reactive hypoglycemia during pregnancy.
