FRUCTOSAMINE COMPARED WITH A GLUCOSE-LOAD AS A SCREENING-TEST FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Five hundred seven women were screened for gestational diabetes between 20-36 weeks' gestation. All received a 100-g glucose (polycose) load at 28 weeks with measurement of plasma glucose 1 hour later. Fructosamine levels were measured at 4-week intervals from 20-36 weeks. At 36 weeks, a full 100-g 3-hour glucose tolerance test was performed on all subjects. Eighteen women were diagnosed as having gestational diabetes. The glucose load had a sensitivity of 81% in detection of gestational diabetes, compared with 50% for fructosamine at 36 weeks. Fructosamine is not useful as a screening test for gestational diabetes as currently defined.