National, state and territory trends in gestational diabetes mellitus in Australia, 2016-2021: Differences by state/territory and country of birth

Abstract

Objective

To examine trends of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Australia by state/territory and country of birth.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken from 2016 to 2021 using data from the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) and Australian Bureau of Statistics. The trends were assessed using Average Annual Percentage Changes (AAPCs) and the Cochrane–Armitage test.

Results

Nationally, the age-standardised incidence of GDM was 9.3% (95%CI; 9.1–9.4) in 2016 and 15.7% (95%CI; 15.4–15.9) in 2021, representing AAPC of +10.9%. The highest increase was in the Northern Territory, from 6.7% (95%CI; 5.1–8.3) in 2016 to 19.2% (95%CI; 16.9–21.6) in 2021, AAPC=+24.6%. In Southeast Asian-born women, the incidence of GDM rose from 12.2% (95%CI; 11.7–12.7) in 2016 to 22.5% (95%CI; 21.9–23.2) in 2021 (p_-trend<0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of GDM has risen in Australia, particularly in the Northern Territory and Victoria, as well as among those born in Southeast Asia and South and Central Asia.

Implications for public health

This increase in GDM incidence in Australia underscores the pressing need for location and culturally responsive GDM prevention interventions. The lack of information on some risk factors of GDM (e.g. high body mass index) in the NDSS registry requires further investigation.