ABSTRACT
There are limited studies concerning the prevalence of gestational diabetes [GDM] in Iran. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for GDM in Isfahan, and to compare the results of selective and universal GDM screening methods. In a cross - sectional study conducted between June 2003 and March 2005, GDM universal screening [based on the Carpenter and Coustan criteria] was done for pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, referred to the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center; 1112 pregnant women with no history of diabetes underwent 50 gr glucose challenge test [GCT]. Cases with blood sugar >/= 130 mg/dL were considered positive and underwent a 3-hour, 100 gr glucose tolerance test [OGTT]; this was also done randomly in some of negative GCT cases. OGTT was performed in 245 GCT - positive cases and 130 women with negative G.C.T, GDM was diagnosed in 67 and 6 women respectively, showing a total prevalence of 6.76% for GDM. Of all pregnant women, 23.2% were classified as a low-risk group, including only 2 diagnosed cases of GDM [2.7% of all GDM cases]. Among risk factors, only age, pre-pregnancy BMI and gravidity were significantly correlated with GDM. There is a moderate prevalence of GDM in Isfahan; a selective GDM screening method seems to be more appropriate for this community