Pregnancy outcome in undiagnosed gestational diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of macrosomia and compare the risk factors associated with neonatal and maternal complications between mothers with gestational diabetes (GDM) and Non-GDM mothers, and determine whether it is important to screen for GDM before birth.

Methodology: We sampled the venous blood of the mothers of 120 macrosomic neonates in the first 24 hours after delivery, and assessed glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. A diagnosis of GDM was based on a HbA1c > 5.9%.

Results: Twenty-three (19%) mothers had an HgbA1c > 5.9%. Maternal and neonatal complications were not significantly different in undiagnosed GDM and non-GDM women. Except for the mother’s age, parity, and BMI, other risk factors for the development of GDM didn’t differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions: The frequency of neonatal and maternal complications associated with the birth of macrosomic neonates are not significantly different between GDM and non-GDM mothers. Hence, the universal screening of pregnant women for GDM is not recommended.