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

AIM: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: The incidence of gestational diabetes is rising in South-East Asian countries, especially in India. HBA1c could be a potential screening test for GDM.