Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Different Age Groups in Razan, Iran 2014

Background and Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance that begins or is diagnosed during pregnancy. Given the importance of early detection and timely treatment of the disease, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of GDM in different age groups in city of Razan, Hamadan province (Iran). In a cross-sectional study (according to the screening program for GDM conducted in all health centers in the country) 493 pregnant women attending Razan central laboratory for gestational diabetes screening (in 2014) were recruited. The participants did not have any acute or chronic diseases. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) was done and expectant mothers were considered to have gestational diabetes if their blood glucose concentration was higher than reference range at least once. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Student t-test in SPSS V. 20. Among the participants 60 (12.2%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The lowest and highest incidences of GDM were found in women aged 25-29 years old (7.1%) and 40-44 years old (33.3%), respectively. These results indicated higher incidence of gestational diabetes in older women. The prevalence of GDM in studied region is similar to the reports from other regions in Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to inform pregnant women about GDM and its complications. Also, further studies concerning the screening program for GDM are required, to reduce its incidence and complications.