Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus by use of the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index in the first trimester

Objective. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 2-10% of all pregnant women, causing increased morbidity and mortality, and is tested for in the second trimester of pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to predict GDM in the first trimester. Design and methods. The study included 271 patients who were between the 10th and 14th week of gestation. Fasting glucose and insulin were measured in the first trimester and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated for each patient. These values were compared with the results of the second-trimester glucose tolerance test. Results. HOMA-IR values were higher in women with GDM. A cut-off value of 2.60 for HOMA-IR was calculated at the end of the study. Conclusion. Accepting patients whose HOMA-IR value is higher than 2.60 in the first trimester seems to be a good method to predict GDM.