Gestational diabetes mellitus: now is the time for detection and treatment

The extent of universal screening for gestational diabetes and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by diagnosis were analyzed in four primary-care sites. The medical records of 798 women were reviewed to identify the presence of historical risk factors, familial determinants, and biophysical attributes associated with GDM and to determine whether screening and diagnostic tests consistent with national criteria had been completed, as well as to obtain the method of delivery and the weight and overall medical status of the infants. Of the 798 women, less than 60% underwent screening. Overall, 1.5% of the women were diagnosed with GDM, seven of whom were identified through screening. Eighty-nine infants were classified as large for gestational age, 61 of whom weighed more than 4,000 g. Of these 61 infants with macrosomia, 61% were born to women who either were not screened or had negative screening results. Most of these women had risk factors consistent with GDM. The likelihood that a substantial proportion of these women would have delivered normal-sized infants had they undergone proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment prompted us to conclude that universal screening for GDM should be adopted.