Analysis of the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Using Novel Diagnostic Criteria.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and analyze the risk factors using International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Groups diagnostic criteria. Method Pregnant women were selected for our study. Related risk factors of GDM were collected using a questionnaire. The 75g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Blood glucose level was measured. Results GDM prevalence was 32.8%. Age, pre-pregnancy weight, pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, weight at birth, and triglycerides in the GDM group were significantly higher than that of the normal glucose tolerance group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that age, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, weight of pregnant women at delivery, family history of diabetes, birth times, previous history of adverse pregnancy, and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly correlated with the development of GDM (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis showed that the prevalence of GDM increased gradually with age and increased pre-pregnancy body mass index. Pregnant women with a history of multiple pregnancies and previous adverse pregnancy had a significantly increased risk of developing GDM. Multiple stepwise regression prompted that pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, family history of diabetes, previous adverse pregnancy, and hypertriglyceridemia were independent risk factors that contribute to the development of GDM. Conclusion The use of newly defined criteria has increased the apparent prevalence rate of GDM. Intervention treatment should be administered if risk factors for GDM are established in order to reduce the incidence of GDM.