Abstract

ABSTRACT
This cross sectional study was an attempt to estimate the prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant women
in Basrah (using the 50 gm glucose challenge test) and to identify the high risk groups. The study involved 304
pregnant women who were attending the antenatal care clinics of two primary health care centres during a threemonth
period. All pregnant women included in the study were interviewed, blood samples were drawn, and urine
samples were checked for the presence of sugar. The results showed that the prevalence of glucose intolerance was
4.3% according to 50 grams glucose challenge test. Also the results showed that the main risk factors, which were
significantly and independently associated with impaired glucose tolerance, were history of habitual miscarriage,
history of neonatal death and family history of diabetes mellitus. Urine test for sugar as a screening test for
gestational diabetes was found to be neither sensitive nor specific in comparison with 50 grams oral glucose test. It
was recommended that pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes by the 50 grams glucose
challenge test and the screening can be done at least for high risk women.