Gestational Diabetes Risk Calculator 2025: Screening, Prevention, Management
Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects 6–9% of pregnancies. Our calculator estimates personalized risk using 8 evidence-based factors: BMI, age, ethnicity, family history, previous GDM, macrosomia, and PCOS.
GDM Risk Factors
| Factor | Relative Risk |
|---|---|
| BMI ≥30 | 3–5x |
| Age ≥35 | 2x |
| Asian/Hispanic ethnicity | 2–3x |
| Family history | 1.5–2x |
| Previous GDM | 30–50% recurrence |
| PCOS | 2–3x |
Screening Guidelines
- ACOG: 1-step (75g OGTT) or 2-step (50g → 100g)
- High-risk: Test at first visit
- All others: 24–28 weeks
Diagnosis Thresholds (Carpenter-Coustan)
| Time | 1-Step (mg/dL) | 2-Step (mg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting | 92 | 95 |
| 1-hour | 180 | 180 |
| 2-hour | 153 | 155 |
Prevention Strategies
- Healthy BMI before pregnancy
- 30 min moderate exercise daily
- Low-GI diet, fiber-rich
- Metformin (high-risk, off-label)
Management
- 80% controlled with diet/exercise
- BS targets: Fasting <95, 1h post <140
- Insulin if meds fail
- Weekly NST after 32 weeks
Risks to Baby
- Macrosomia (>4kg)
- Shoulder dystocia
- Hypoglycemia at birth
- Future type 2 diabetes
Postpartum
- OGTT at 4–12 weeks
- 50% develop type 2 within 10 years
- Breastfeeding reduces risk
Step-by-Step Example
32yo Asian, BMI 28, PCOS, family history
- Base risk: 2%
- Asian: ×2.5 → 5%
- BMI 28: ×2 → 10%
- PCOS: ×2.5 → 25%
- Family: ×1.8 → 45% risk
Integration with Tools
FAQs
Can GDM be prevented? Yes — lifestyle changes reduce risk 50%.
Symptoms? Often none — screening essential.
Twins increase risk? Yes — higher placental hormones.
Conclusion
Use our 2025 GDM Risk Calculator to identify need for early screening. Early action prevents complications for mom and baby.
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