Incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Bahrain from 2002 to 2010

To determine the incidence and trends of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bahrain from 2002 to 2010, and to investigate 2 possible risk factors within the affected population.

In a retrospective survey, data on maternal body weight and age were collected from women who gave birth in government maternity units in Bahrain and who were screened for GDM during pregnancy using the 2-step approach and criteria of the US Expert Committee on the diagnosis and classification of diabetes.

Among 49 552 pregnant women, 4982 (10.1%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The Cox-Stuart test for trend analysis suggested that there was an increase in the incidence of gestational diabetes from 7.2% in 2002 to 12.5% in 2010 (P<0.01). For the period 2006-2010, maternal age, and weight at onset of pregnancy and at time of delivery were positively associated with risk of GDM with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.094 (1.081-1.107), 1.081 (1.001-1.104), and 1.027 (1.013-1.040), respectively.

A combination of increasing maternal weight, maternal age, and incidence of GDM among women in Bahrain indicates a significant future burden on health services.