Mid-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) and its correlation with oral glucose tolerance test (World Health Organization 1999).

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the role of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare its efficacy with 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (World Health Organization [WHO]) screening criteria. A prospective observational study was performed on a total of 260 women attending antenatal outpatient department of our hospital at 24-28 weeks of gestation. All women underwent 75-g OGTT testing, and WHO 1999 criteria was used for diagnosis of GDM. Also, a HbA1c test was performed for the same women. Prevalence of GDM was found to be 19.6% by OGTT. Mean HbA1c values in GDM was significantly higher than non-GDM. HbA1c correlated well with both fasting and 2 h postprandial levels but there was better correlation with 2-h postprandial level. The incidence of gestational diabetes is rising in South-East Asian countries, especially in India. HBA1c could be a potential screening test for GDM.