Sandhya Devi K. V. S. M1, Matta Sridevi2, Ponnada Mounika3
BACKGROUND
Indian women are at high risk for Gestational Diabetes. Pregnancy complicated by Gestational Diabetes is associated with increased maternal as well as foetal morbidity. Early diagnosis and prompt management is essential.
METHODS
A prospective study was conducted at King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which is a tertiary care hospital. At 24-28 weeks period of gestation, 50 grams glucose dissolved in 300 mL water was given to patients irrespective of the fasting status. Blood glucose estimation was done after 1 hour by Glucose Oxidase-Peroxidase enzyme method. 140 mg/dL is taken as cut-off & those women positive for Glucose Challenge Test were further subjected to 100 grams Glucose tolerance test.
Women who were positive for Glucose Tolerance Test were diagnosed as having Gestational Diabetes and jointly managed by Obstetrician and Diabetologist. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were monitored.
RESULT
200 Antenatal women were taken into this prospective study. Glucose challenge test has high specificity of 97% and negative predictive value is 97%. Sensitivity of the test is 83% and positive predictive value is 83%. It can be effectively used as a screening test for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
CONCLUSION
Glucose Challenge Test is a highly specific test with a high negative predictive value. This test is economical, feasible and can be effectively used as a screening test for Gestational Diabetes.
