The validity of single step test (DIPSI) for screening for GDM in all trimesters of pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the validity of DIPSI, (Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group India) a single step test, as a screening tool for GDM and to find out the incidence and onset of GDM with respect to period of gestation.

Materials and Methods: One year prospective study was conducted on 300 antenatal women in all three trimesters with DIPSI – Single step test. DIPSI positive patients underwent diagnostic OGTT, by 75 gm glucose. Patients were diagnosed as GDM by WHO Criteria (1999).

Results: DIPSI had sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 94.6%. Of the 300 patients subjected to the study, overall incidence of GDM was 25.3% and 0.7% were diagnosed with overt diabetes. During the first trimester 4% had GDM whereas 0.7% had overt diabetes. During the second and third trimester 12.5% and 15.3 % of patients were newly diagnosed with GDM respectively.

Conclusion: This evidence not only validates DIPSI as simple and efficient screening test but also emphasizes the importance of subjecting all the pregnant women in all 3 trimesters to test for screening for GDM. And therefore this test should become part of the routine antenatal investigations.