Epidemiology of gestational diabetes mellitus in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major maternal health concern associated with adverse outcomes for mothers and their offspring. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), its burden is heightened by socioeconomic inequalities, limited prenatal care, and high obesity rates, while evidence for other determinants remains fragmented and heterogeneous. This scoping review aimed to identify, describe, and categorize existing research on the prevalence, incidence, determinants, and risk factors of GDM in LAC. We conducted a scoping review following JBI guidance and PRISMA-ScR. Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS were searched from inception to December 2025. Eligible studies included observational studies reporting GDM prevalence, incidence, diagnostic criteria, or risk factors in LAC. Two reviewers independently screened records and extracted data. Findings were synthesized descriptively. Fifty‑six studies from nine LAC countries were included, mainly from Brazil and Mexico. Studies were predominantly cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control designs conducted in hospital or prenatal care settings. Diagnostic approaches varied, with IADPSG (39.3%), WHO (25.0%), and ADA (16.1%) as the most frequently used criteria. GDM prevalence ranged from 3.0% to 61.0%, and incidence estimates varied substantially. The most frequently reported determinants and risk factors were advanced maternal age, overweight and obesity, family history of diabetes, previous GDM, prior macrosomia, and hypertension. Behavioral and social determinants were less frequently assessed. Variability in GDM prevalence across LAC highlights the need for standardized regional screening and prospective, population-based research. Reducing the regional GDM burden requires integrating clinical interventions targeting modifiable risk factors and improved continuity of care.