Gestational diabetes mellitus in five ethnic groups: a comparison of their clinical characteristics

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus has been shown to vary between ethnic groups. The differences in the clinical characteristics and outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus from various ethnic groups have not been clearly defined.

A retrospective review of women with gestational diabetes mellitus from a single institution between 2007 and 2010 was conducted. The clinical profiles of women from five ethnic groups (South-East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Anglo-European and Pacific Islander) were documented, including the outcomes of their pregnancy.

In this cohort of 827 women from these five ethnic groups, South-East Asians had the lowest BMI, lowest fasting (yet highest 2-h) glucose level on 75-g glucose tolerance test, lowest need for insulin therapy and lowest rate of macrosomia. South Asians had the lowest parity but strongest family history of diabetes. Their offspring also had the lowest birthweight. Women from Pacific Islands had the highest parity, BMI, fasting glucose levels on 75-g glucose tolerance test, HbA(1c) (at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus as well as at 36 weeks' gestation) and greatest need for insulin therapy. Their offspring also had the highest birthweights.

This study highlighted the significant differences in clinical characteristics of women with gestational diabetes mellitus among five ethnic groups. These differences may need to be considered in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus, especially in the interpretation of normality for pregnancy.