Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in a school laboratory in Goiás

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of gestational diabetes and analyze the relationship between the risk of gestational diabetes in two age groups, as recommended by the Brazilian Diabetes Society. Methods: A cross-sectional study investigated changes in blood glucose levels and the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) during pregnancy, using data from the Clinical Laboratory of the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás from 2018 to 2023. The study compared changes in tests among pregnant women divided into two age groups (≤ 25 years and > 25 years) to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Results: The study evaluated 461 pregnant women, revealing a significant relationship between age and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with 60.1% of pregnant women over 25 years old presenting with GDM, compared to 39.9% of pregnant women up to 25 years old. Most pregnant women had normal fasting blood glucose levels, but there was a significant increase in levels after glucose overload in those with GDM. The correlation between age and fasting blood glucose levels was moderate, highlighting the importance of early screening. Conclusion: The results presented highlight the complexity of the interactions between age, fasting blood glucose, and response to glucose overload during pregnancy.