Reevaluation of definition, screening, and diagnostic criteria of gestational diabetes mellitus in Japan

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Some 3% of all pregnant women with GDM cies are diagnosed annually in Japan. Exposure to maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy is associated with birth defects and perinatal complications and other adverse effects on childhood growth and glucose regulation, necessitating adequate GDM screening and diagnosis. A lack of international consensus remains on the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of GDM among panels including the American Diabetes Association (ADA), World Health Organization (WHO), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This lack of agreement continues to cause confusion about the ideal clinical approach to GDM. The committee of the Japan Diabetes Society has therefore evaluated the definition, screening, and diagnostic criteria of GDM in Japan. We must reevaluate them again after establishment of hyperglycemia and pregnancy adverse outcome (HAPO) studies.