New research shows that early pregnancy HbA1c testing can effectively predict gestational diabetes, offering a simpler, more accessible screening option for pregnant women worldwide. Study: Early pregnancy HbA 1c as the first screening test for gestational diabetes: results from three prospective cohorts . Image Credit: VGstockstudio / Shutterstock A study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology reveals that measuring early pregnancy glycated hemoglobin could serve as a simple and effective screening test for gestational diabetes.
Background Gestational diabetes refers to high blood glucose levels during pregnancy, which may adversely affect both mother and fetus. The condition is highly prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries, accounting for more than 90% of global cases. This high prevalence is likely due to limited access to diagnostic and monitoring care.
HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood glucose levels by reflecting the average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, making it a reliable marker for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test conducted at 24–28 weeks of gestation is considered to be the standard protocol for diagnosing gestational diabetes. However, most international and national guidelines recommend this protocol, except New Zealand, which suggests using early pregnancy HbA 1c as an initial test.
Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) are difficult to conduct, have analytical errors and have poor reprod.