Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Multi-Ethnic, High-Risk Population: Adequacy of Screening for Diabetes Mellitus 6 Weeks after Delivery

Mukesh M. Agarwal (), Madan Lal and Chintan D. Vyas
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Mukesh M. Agarwal: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA
Madan Lal: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Luke’s General Hospital, R95 FY71 Kilkenny, Ireland
Chintan D. Vyas: Department of Medicine, Burjeel Medical Center, Al Ain P.O. Box 103500, United Arab Emirates

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-9

Abstract: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy is a marker for future type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, a meticulous follow-up after delivery can help identify women at risk for T2DM. In a cohort of 5504 pregnant women, the postpartum follow-up of all 1043 women with GDM for hyperglycemia in a multi-ethnic, high-risk Arab population was investigated. The prevalence of GDM was 18.9%. A total of 265 (25.4%) women returned for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 4–6 weeks after delivery, with more South Asian than Arab women ( p < 0.01). The other factors associated with return were (a) family history of T2DM, (b) lower basic metabolic index, (c) higher abortions and (d) lower gravida ( p < 0.05), all with minimal effect. An abnormal postpartum OGTT was statistically associated with previous GDM history and hypoglycemic drug treatment, although these effects were small. Overall, the follow-up of women with GDM postpartum was dismal, ethnicity being the major factor influencing return. Urgent public measures are needed to educate women with GDM about follow-up highlighting (a) risk awareness for T2DM and (b) a healthy lifestyle after childbirth—if we are to turn the tide on the epidemic of T2DM plaguing the Arab world.

Keywords: gestational diabetes; follow-up; Arabs; OGTT (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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