Screening for gestational diabetes in low-risk women: effect of maternal age

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is on the rise globally and there are various screening guidelines with regard to patients' criteria. Materials and methods We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of GDM amongst low-risk pregnant women above the age of 25 years. A modified glucose tolerance test (MGTT) was performed between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation. Women with GDM were divided into two groups for analysis: age between 25 and 34 years (group A) and above 35 years (group B). They were managed as per hospital protocol and followed-up until delivery. The women's demographic data, treatment and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were analysed. Results The overall prevalence of GDM in our low-risk women was 14%. GDM was less common in the younger age group (25-34 years) in comparison to those aged above 35 years (9.7% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.001). There was a non-significant increase in the induction of labour (IOL) rate amongst those aged below 35 years compared to the older group (46.7 % vs. 38.5%). The insulin requirement in the age group 25-34 years and above 35 years, were 6.7% and 23.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between both age groups with regard to caesarean delivery, birth weight above the 95th centile and neonatal hypoglycaemia. Conclusion In low-risk women, the prevalence of GDM is significantly lower in those aged less than 35 years. Diagnosing GDM had resulted in the increment of IOL in this group, although with no significant increase in maternal and neonatal morbidity.