ASSOCIATION OF FIRST TRIMESTER HbA1c VALUES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasingly common worldwide, particularly in India. It is one of the most frequent medical complications in pregnancy and is linked to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications, most of which are avoidable with timely intervention. This study aimed to evaluate whether first-trimester HbA1c levels can predict the development of GDM in later trimesters. Across-sectional study conducted among 232 antenatal patients. All underwent HbA1c testing in first-trimester and were later screened for GDM using the oral glucose tolerance test during the second and third trimester. The relationship between first-trimester HbA1c and later GDM development was analyzed. 59 out of 232 patients developed GDM. A significant association was found between first-trimester HbA1c and GDM. However, some patients with low HbA1c also developed GDM. First-trimester HbA1c alone cannot replace OGTT for diagnosing GDM