Gestational diabetes from A to Z

Table 1 Risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus defined by the expert groups[12-15]

NICE[14] and SIGN[15]

BMI > 30 kg/m2

Previous history of macrosomic baby ≥ 4.5 kg

Previous history of GDM

Family history of diabetes (first-degree family member with diabetes)

Ethnic backgrounds

South Asian (India, Pakistan or Bangladesh)

Black Caribbean

Middle Eastern (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon or Egypt)

ADIPS[13]

Moderate risk factors for GDM

Ethnic backgrounds: Asian, Indian, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Maori, Middle Eastern, and non-White African

BMI 25-35 kg/m2

High risk factors for GDM

Previous history of GDM

Previous history of high blood glucose

Age ≥ 40 yr

Family history of diabetes (1st degree relation with diabetes or a sister with GDM)

BMI > 35 kg/m2

Previous history of macrosomic child ≥ 4.5 kg

PCOS

Medications: Corticosteroids, antipsychotics

ADA[12]

BMI > 25 kg/m2

No physical activity

1st degree relation with diabetes

Ethnic backgrounds (African-American, Latino, Native-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander)

Previous macrosomic child > 9 lb

Previous history of GDM

Hypertension

HDL-C < 0.90 mmol/L and/or triglyceride > 2.82 mmol/L

PCOS

HbA1c ≥ 5.7% and previous IGT or IFG

Signs of insulin resistance such as acanthosis nigricans

History of CVD

ADA: American Diabetes Association; HDL-C: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol; IFG: Impaired fasting glycaemia; IGT: Impaired glucose tolerance; NICE: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence; PCOS: Polycystic ovarian syndrome; SIGN: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network; ADIPS: Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society; BMI: Body mass index; CVD: Cardiovascular disease; GDM: Gestational diabetes mellitus; HbA1c: Glycosylated haemoglobin.