Diabetes mellitus in Tohon O'odham pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the prevalence of diabetes in Tohono O'odham pregnancies, and to assess the efficacy of early prenatal diabetes screening in populations with high rates of diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--All Tohono O'odham women receiving prenatal care at the Sells Service Unit who delivered a viable baby in the 5-yr study period were reviewed. RESULTS--Diabetes was confirmed in 97 of 1854 (5.2%) Tohono O'odham pregnancies delivered during the study period. NIDDM antedated pregnancy in 38 (39%) of the diabetic pregnancies. Diabetes was diagnosed for the first time in 59 (61%) of these diabetic pregnancies. The diagnosis was made at or before the 20th gestational wk in 25 of 59 (42%) gestational diabetic women. These 25 women represented 61% of 41 gestational diabetic women who received prenatal care at or before the 20th gestational week. CONCLUSIONS--Our findings indicate that first trimester diabetes screening is justified in this population and may be appropriate in other populations with high rates of diabetes.