Risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus in Sanandaj, Iran

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance that is detected for the first time during the most recent pregnancy. It can lead to serious complications for mother and infant. The current study aimed to determine the important risk factors for GDM in Sanandaj, Iran during 2010-2011. METHODS: This was a case-control study in which 220 people were chosen for each group from referees to the healthcare centers and diabetes center in Sanandaj. Data were collected through interviews and review of medical records. Data analysis conducted using chi-square test and logistic regression. RESULTS: In the present study, diabetic mothers were older and more obese than non-diabetic mothers. In the logistic regression, variables such as familial history of diabetes in first-degree relatives, history of gestational diabetes, age ≥ 30 years, history of stillbirth, history of macrosomia, and body mass index above 30 were considered as the most important independent risk factors for gestational diabetes respectively. However variables such as smoking, blood pressure, and history of infant death showed no statistical significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The most important risk factors for developing GDM included history of diabetes among relatives (family history), mothers with a history of gestational diabetes, and history of macrosomia. Therefore, controlling these factors can reduce the incidence of diabetes during pregnancy.