Prevalence of gestational diabetes and comparison of mean maternal age in healthy and gestational diabetic patients at Javaheri hospital (2003-2006)

¯Abstract Background: Maternal age is an important risk factor in gestational diabetes but there is controversy about determination of age cut off as a risk factor for its prevalence. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of gestational diabetes and also the comparison of maternal age in healthy and gestational diabetic patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which the records of pregnant women referred to Javaheri hospital during 2003-2006 were investigated. The data were analyzed by SPSS and independent t-test. Findings: A total of 5107 pregnant women were evaluated during this time period and 170 cases found to suffer from gestational diabetes. The prevalence of gestational diabetes was 3.3% during the four-year study. The mean age of gestational diabetic group was 30.4 ±5 years and of normal women 27.5±5. There was a significant difference between two groups (p<0.001). Meanwhile, 90% of gestational diabetic women were above 24 year. Conclusion: According to this study and new guidelines, it is suggested that the age screening of gestational diabetes in pregnant women to be reviewed and replaced by the use of a recommended age base of 25 year or higher.