Am J Perinatol 2011; 28(7): 515-520
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1272968
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The Association between Body Mass Index and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Varies by Race/Ethnicity

Amy Shah1 , Naomi E. Stotland2 , Yvonne W. Cheng2 , Gladys A. Ramos3 , Aaron B. Caughey4
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles
  • 2Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
  • 3Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego
  • 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 March 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

We examined body mass index (BMI) as a screening tool for gestational diabetes (GDM) and its sensitivity among different racial/ethnic groups. In a retrospective cohort study of 24,324 pregnant women at University of California, San Francisco, BMI was explored as a screening tool for GDM and was stratified by race/ethnicity. Sensitivity and specificity were examined using chi-square test and receiver-operator characteristic curves. BMI of ≥25.0 kg/m2 as a screening threshold identified GDM in >76% of African-Americans, 58% of Latinas, and 46% of Caucasians, but only 25% of Asians (p < 0.001). Controlling for confounders and comparing to a BMI of ≤25, African-Americans had the greatest increased risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0 to 8.5), followed by Caucasians (AOR 3.6, 95% CI: 2.7 to 4.8), Latinas (AOR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.9 to 3.8), and Asians (AOR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8 to 3.0). BMI's screening characteristics to predict GDM varied by race/ethnicity. BMI can be used to counsel regarding the risk of developing GDM, but alone it is not a good screening tool.

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Aaron B CaugheyM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University

3181 S.W. Sam Jackson, Portland, OR 97239-3098

Email: abcmd@berkeley.edu

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