Diagnostic Accuracy of Random Plasma Glucose and Random Blood Capillary Glucose in Detecting International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups‑ Defined Hyperglycemia in Early Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Maternal hyperglycemia first diagnosed in pregnancy, previously referred to as gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with health consequences for both the mother and her fetus/baby, not only in the short term but also in the long term. Early screening helps to identify women with overt diabetes or those with early onset GDM. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of two screening tests (Random plasma glucose, Random capillary glucose) in relation to 75g Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) done before 24 weeks gestation. Methods: This prospective longitudinal cohort study was carried out between 1^st February, 2017 and 31^st July, 2017, at two teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Two hundred and eighty one (281) pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were selected and screened with both random plasma glucose (RPG) and random capillary glucose (RCG) before 24 weeks of pregnancy. They were then made to undergo 75g OGTT a week later. The diagnostic performance of the screening tests were determined. Results: A total of 270 women had 75g OG. Conclusion: Random plasma glucose and Random capillary glucose performed poorly compared to 75g-OGTT in detecting hyperglycemia in early pregnancy.