Gestational Diabetes Is Increasing in the U.S.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) results in increased maternal morbidity (including preeclampsia, urinary tract infection, and cesarean delivery) and adverse perinatal outcomes (including stillbirth, macrosomia, birth trauma, initial hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia). Furthermore, having a history of GDM markedly increases a woman’s risk for developing diabetes later. To examine trends in the prevalence of GDM, investigators reviewed 16 years’ worth of data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey.

During the study period, the prevalence of GDM more than doubled — from 1.9% in 1989–1990 to 4.2% in 2003–2004. Increases were seen among both whites and blacks in all age groups and in all regions of the U.S. The largest relative increa…