Risk factors and diagnostic performance of predictors as a screening technique for gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that can have negative impacts on both mother and baby. Detecting GDM early is crucial, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) has been suggested as a possible screening method. This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to investigate potential risk factors and complications associated with GDM. Additionally, it aims to establish the diagnostic performance of predictive factors as a screening method for GDM. Data were collected from the medical records of 247 pregnant women who visited outpatient Obstetrics clinics between 2021 and 2022. The study investigated potential risk factors and complications associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), including impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT), family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), and medical conditions. Moreover, the study evaluated the diagnostic performance of potential predictors as screening techniques for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM. The study found that impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT) (P<0.001), a history of GDM (P<0.001), and a family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P=0.022) were significant factors associated with GDM. Healthy individuals had a lower risk of developing GDM (P<0.001). No significant correlation was found between GDM and macrosomia, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or other obstetric complications. Although a weak association was observed between fasting blood glucose levels during the first trimester and GDM, it was not significant. In conclusion, this study found that impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT) and a past history of GDM were significantly associated with GDM. Additionally, a family history of diabetes increased the likelihood of developing GDM, while no significant association was found between GDM and other obstetric complications. Although a weak association was observed between fasting blood glucose levels during the first trimester and GDM, it was not statistically significant.