The risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus: A retrospective study

•High body mass index prior pregnancy is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus in Taiwanese pregnant women.•Older maternal age is a risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus in Taiwanese pregnant women.•Family history of diabetes is the strongest predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus in Taiwanese pregnant women.

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for developing GDM among Taiwanese pregnant women.DesignA retrospective cohort and case-control study.SettingAt a medical centre in Southern Taiwan.ParticipantsThe hospitalised pregnant women who were diagnosed with either GDM or normal glucose tolerance (NGT) between 1997 and 2011. The glucose tolerance test results were interpreted according to criteria established by the National Diabetes Data Group for GDM. Participants were divided into either a GDM group (case group) or a normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group (control group) in order to determine the risk factors for GDM.MeasurementsWith a retrospective chart review, data regarding demographics, a family history of diabetes, history of gestation, and physiological index for pre- and postpregnancy periods were collected. χ2 tests and independent t tests were used to examine the correlations between demographic characteristics and GDM. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with GDM.FindingsThe results of the comparison between the GDM group (n=106) and the NGT group (n=406) showed that the risk factors for GDM were maternal age, education, a family history of diabetes, and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI).Key conclusion and implication for practiceOlder age, lower levels of education, a family history of diabetes, and higher prepregnancy BMI were significant risk factors for GDM. In addition to performing risk factor assessment, health care providers should proactively promote the importance of GDM screening to pregnant women at their first antenatal visit.