GESTATIONAL DIABETES;

Objective: To find sensitivity specificity and diagnostic accuracy of GlucoseChallenge test in diagnosing Gestational Diabetes in Pregnant women. Due to poor socioeconomicaland educational status, dietary habits and ignorance regarding pregnancy relatedproblems probably increase the prevalence and burden of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)and its complications in pregnancy. Best and simple strategy to identify women with gestationaldiabetes is still lacking and unclear. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting and Duration:This study was performed at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, from Nov 2005 to Dec 2006. Methodology:A glucose challenge test (GCT) was performed on 500 selected pregnant women by giving 50-gglucose in water orally. A serum glucose level ≥140 mg/dl after an hour was taken as positive test.To confirm GDM, 75 g glucose in 200 ml of water was given and sugar levels after 2 hrs byGlucometer, >200 mg/dl confirmed GDM. Results: An increasing trend in age, gestational ageand BMI and a significant difference regarding positive family history of diabetes and graviditywas seen in patients with GDM compared to normal pregnant. The maximum percentage of GDM2 was noted in multigravida, between 25-29 years, BMI >28kg/m , and a gestational age of 28weeks. The sensitivity of GCT was 80%, specificity 97.8%., and diagnostic accuracy was 96.4%.Conclusions: Screening is necessary to identify women with GDM. A 50-g glucose challengetest might be acceptable as a screening test for GDM as it has high sensitivity, specificity anddiagnostic accuracy.