Age

This study highlights the critical role of maternal age in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational impaired glucose tolerance (GIGT). Through a prospective case-control design involving 85 women with GDM, 63 with GIGT, and 125 controls, it was found that age is an independent risk factor for both conditions. Specifically, women diagnosed with GDM and GIGT had significantly higher mean ages compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. The analysis revealed that as maternal age increases, so does the likelihood of developing GDM or GIGT, even after adjusting for other variables such as pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, family history of diabetes, irregular menses, history of spontaneous abortion, educational level, and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). While these additional factors contribute to the overall risk profile, age stands out as a pivotal element demanding special attention. Consequently, this underscores the necessity for closer monitoring and early intervention strategies specifically tailored for older pregnant women to mitigate the risks associated with GDM and GIGT.