Latent Diabetes in Pregnancy

Summary Glycosuria, a family history of diabetes mellitus, a history of previous unexplained fetal loss or of large babies may indicate possible latent diabetes in pregnancy. The value of the oral glucose tolerance test in detecting latent diabetes in an antenatal clinic over a five‐year period is reviewed and 220 women with latent diabetes were observed in 293 pregnancies. The fetal loss in 244 viable pregnancies in which latent diabetes was recognized prior to delivery was 2.9 per cent. The cortisone modified glucose tolerance test employed after the puerperium in 108 of the women was of less diagnostic value as a test for latent diabetes than pregnancy itself.