Evaluation of the relationship between gestational diabetes and a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

INTRODUCTION Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder that occurs during pregnancy. Knowing the risk factors for GDM is thus particularly important. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between GDM and a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). METHODS A case-control study was conducted involving 188 pregnant women. Ninety-four cases had GDM based on an impaired glucose tolerance test (GTT) and the other 94 cases (control group) were pregnant women without GDM. The subjects in each group were questioned regarding a history of PCOS (i.e., a history of oligomenorrhea and hyperandrogenism) and then their health documentation's were reviewed and those women whose documentation's were complete (sonologic and hormonal evidences for PCOS) entered the study. The relationship between GDM and a history of PCOS was then evaluated. RESULTS The women with GDM had a history of PCOS more often than the control group of women (15 cases of PCOS in GDM group vs. 6 cases of PCOS in the control group, P=0.03), but regarding body mass index, a history of PCOS were not shown to have a significant relationship with GDM. Regarding the number of pregnancies, a history of PCOS had a significant relationship with GDM (P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS GDM has a relationship with a history of PCOS, therefore in women with a history of PCOS, the risk of GDM should be considered.