Overview

• A retrospective cohort analysis of 4,866,919 Chinese women identified 239,128 with low fasting plasma glucose before conception.
• Women with preconception hypoglycemia had higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight and congenital birth defects than those with normal glucose levels.
• Risk profiles varied by BMI category: underweight women faced elevated miscarriage risk, whereas overweight women showed reduced rates of large-for-gestational-age infants.
• Data were sourced from the National Free Preconception Checkup Project between 2013 and 2016 and published in PLOS Medicine on July 29, 2025.
• Researchers recommend exploring comprehensive preconception glycemic screening and coordinated interventions to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes and encourage studies in diverse populations.