Screening and diagnostic tests in gestational diabetes: state of the art

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as diabetes mellitus (DM) seen during pregnancy. It has been long known that pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus have more maternal and perinatal risks than healthy pregnant women, and it is noted that the increase of such risk can be prevented by GDM screening-diagnosis, and the treatment of cases diagnosed. There are many screening and diagnostics tests for gestational diabetes mellitus; however, there is no consensus on a particular test for best screening. It has been in search of new test methods after the data of Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study of which data have been published recently where it was emphasized that the values accepted as “normal” in the current tests also increase maternal and perinatal risk. As a result, a study group called IADPSG (International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group) studied the recommendations of HAPO study, and has recommended 75-g diagnostic test with new threshold values instead of current GDM screening / diagnostic tests. Today, it has been discussed what advantages and disadvantages are included in terms of efficiency, cost and benefit if the advices of IADPSG are followed for universal screening. This review has been prepared to present up-todate information about these discussions and current status