Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent complications in pregnancy which may create a health risk for the mother and the child. Different criteria may be used in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. In the present study we aimed to test the validity of criteria of American Diabetes Association with the assumption that criteria of National Diabetes Data Group is the golden standard for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: In the present study we included the pregnant patients who have had glucose load test and glucose tolerance test in our center. The validity of criteria of American Diabetes Association was tested. In addition to this the positive predictive value for glucose tolerance test according to criteria of American Diabetes Association and criteria of National Diabetes Data Group was evaluated.

Results: In this study, 1968 patients underwent glucose load test and 470 patients (23.9%) had glucose ≥140 mg/dL for which 336 received a glucose tolerance test. Criteria of American Diabetes Association sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 92.3%, positive predictive value was 61%, negative predictive value was 100%, likelihood ratio was 1.3 and accuracy was 93%. The positive predictive value for glucose load test when criteria of American Diabetes Association was used was 17.6% and was 10.7% when criteria of National Diabetes Data Group was used.

Conclusion: Criteria of American Diabetes Association criteria can be safely used in gestational diabetes mellitus which enables more patients to be diagnosed.