Gestational diabetes mellitus screening tests: a review of current recommendations.

Early recognition and management of gestational diabetes decreases the incidence of macrosomia. Infant morbidity and mortality are also decreased. While there continues to be little agreement regarding precise methods of screening and diagnostic criteria for GDM, most specialists recommend screening with the 50-g oral glucose load followed by a 3-hour GTT. Screening only those women with select risk factors may result in 30% to 50% of women with gestational diabetes being overlooked. Careful explanation of testing methods and implications may result in improved patient understanding of the importance of this diagnosis and of its impact on future health care needs.