GESTATIONAL IMPAIRED GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE - SHOULD THE CUTOFF BE RAISED TO 9 MMOL I-1

It has been suggested that the diagnostic criterion for the 2-h value of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in pregnancy be raised to 9 mm ol l(-1). In order to determine whether patients with a 2-h value of b etween 8 and 8.9 mmol l(-1) should be classified as normal, we perform ed a retrospective study on patients with gestational diabetes mellitu s treated with diet only who delivered within 1 year, and categorized them into three groups according to the 2-h value as follows: group A (8-8.9 mmol l(-1)), group B (9-10.9 mmol l(-1)), and group C (greater than or equal to 11.0 mmol l(-1)). These groups were compared with a c ontrol group with normal oral glucose tolerance test results and who d elivered within the same 1-year period. Group A patients were signific antly different from the control group in maternal age, parity, fastin g value in the oral glucose tolerance test, maternal body mass index, gestational age at delivery, incidence of large for dates infants, and placental weight, but were similar to group 8 for most of these param eters. Group C was significantly different from both the control group and group A for most of the above parameters. Our results suggest tha t the current World Health Organization criterion for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus should be maintained. (C) 1998 John Wil ey & Sons, Ltd.