Single step test for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the most common medical disorders found in pregnancy. Clinical recognition of GDM is important because timely intervention by dietary measures or insulin and fetal surveillance can reduce the well described associated maternal and fetal complications. This observational study was done in PGIMS, Rohtak during period from January 2011 to December 2011. Single step test using 75 gm oral glucose was used as screening and diagnostic test for GDM. Fetomaternal outcome was studied in all the subjects. Prevalence of GDM was 7%. In Indian context with a high prevalence of GDM the Universal screening is superior to selective screening in detecting more cases, facilitating early diagnosis and associated with improved pregnancy outcome with appropriate management. Present study concurs with the WHO recommendation of 2 hours 75 gm OGTT as single step procedure for both screening as well as diagnosis of GDM. Hence, we suggest the adaptation of 75 gm glucose single step test for screening and diagnosis of GDM.