Frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus and its association with risk factors in Mexico

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its association with risk factors in Mexico. METHODS: 419 consecutive patients were included. A 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test with 100 g of dextrose was performed between weeks 24 and 28 of gestation. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, as well a logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: 97 patients (23.2%) had GDM. The most common risk factors associated with development of GDM were body mass index (BMI) prior to pregnancy >= 25.0 kg/m(2), age >= 25 years and familiar history of type 2 diabetes. There was an increased risk for GDM in patients with BMI >= 25 kg/m(2) prior to pregnancy or with signs of insulin resistance, such as acanthosis nigricans or polycystic ovary syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The strongest risk factors associated with development of GDM were BMI >= 25 kg/m(2) prior to pregnancy and presence of signs of insulin resistance.