Diabetes mellitus in Tohon O'odham pregnancies

To determine the prevalence of diabetes in Tohono O'odham pregnancies, and to assess the efficacy of early prenatal diabetes screening in populations with high rates of diabetes.

All Tohono O'odham women receiving prenatal care at the Sells Service Unit who delivered a viable baby in the 5-yr study period were reviewed.

Diabetes was confirmed in 97 of 1854 (5.2%) Tohono O'odham pregnancies delivered during the study period. NIDDM antedated pregnancy in 38 (39%) of the diabetic pregnancies. Diabetes was diagnosed for the first time in 59 (61%) of these diabetic pregnancies. The diagnosis was made at or before the 20th gestational wk in 25 of 59 (42%) gestational diabetic women. These 25 women represented 61% of 41 gestational diabetic women who received prenatal care at or before the 20th gestational week.

Our findings indicate that first trimester diabetes screening is justified in this population and may be appropriate in other populations with high rates of diabetes.