Ethnic background as a risk factor for gestational diabetes in Central Europe

Objective: Ethnic background is an established risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the risk for GDM is increased in various ethnic groups from the Mediterranean region. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the risk for gestational diabetes in women from this region, parti cularly Turkey and the former Yugoslavia. Methods: All 1310 women delivered at our department in a 1-year period were offered a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) in the 26th week of preg nancy. A total of 984 (75%) underwent a test. Gestational diabetes was diag nosed if 1-hour blood glucose levels exceeded 160 mg/dL. The origin of the 984 women who underwent an oGTT was central Europe (63%), the former Yugosl avia (19%), Turkey (12%) and other (5.6%). The age of the women in the diff erent groups was similar. Results: The prevalence of GDM was 16.3% in women from Turkey compared with 9.2% in women from Central Europe and 9.6% in those from the former Yugosl avia. There was no difference in blood glucose levels at screening or in th e need for insulin therapy. Turkish women had a higher body-mass index (24. 9 vs. 22.7 and 23.1) and higher parity (parity > 2 in 37% vs. 10% and 15%). Conclusion: The risk for gestational diabetes appears increased in women fr om Turkey but not in those from the former Yugoslavia. This should be consi dered in screening policies.