Recurrence of gestational diabetes

We conducted a retrospective review of 540 women with gestational diabetes managed by our Service between 1990 and 1996. The aim was to determine the recurrence rate of gestational diabetes and the factors associated with rec urrence. Of 117 women who had a subsequent pregnancy, 82 (70%) had a recurr ence of gestational diabetes according to criteria where the fasting glucos e value greater than or equal to 5.5 and/or 1 hour greater than or equal to 10.0 and/or 2-hour greater than or equal to 8.0 mmol/L after a 75 g oral g lucose load. The recurrence rate was 62.4% (58), using the criteria of the Australian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS). Older age in both the ind ex and subsequent pregnancy and insulin requirement during the index pregna ncy were the strongest predictors for recurrence of gestational diabetes. N on-English speaking country of birth, higher diagnostic glucose tolerance t est (GTT) levels, greater prepregnancy BMI and weight gain between pregnanc ies were also associated with recurrence.