Assessing the Role of HbA1c as a Diagnostic Marker for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant pregnancy-related metabolic disorder associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of complications. This study aims to assess the role of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as a diagnostic marker for GDM in comparison to the standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A prospective cohort study was conducted on 250 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation who underwent both HbA1c testing and OGTT. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of HbA1c were evaluated in identifying GDM cases. The findings indicated that HbA1c demonstrated moderate sensitivity and specificity in detecting GDM but lacked the precision required for standalone diagnosis. However, it showed potential as an adjunct screening tool for identifying high-risk individuals. The study concludes that while HbA1c is not a definitive diagnostic marker for GDM, it may serve as a supplementary test to enhance early risk stratification and guide further assessment. Future research is needed to establish optimal HbA1c thresholds for different populations and improve its clinical utility in GDM diagnosis.