Genetic Causes of Gestational Diabetes in the Emirati Population

Genetic Causes of Gestational Diabetes in the Emirati Population

The study aims to identify the number of MODY patients to be found among Emirati women with GDM as the incidence and prevalence of monogenic diabetes among this group of patients is unknown. This will enable improvements in diagnostics, treatment and the counselling of these women.

The present study aims to perform systematic genetic screening of genes known as the cause of MODY in women diagnosed with gestational diabetes to estimate the prevalence of MODY. This is important to understand the extent to which monogenic diabetes is encountered for the first time during pregnancy. Once women with MODY developing GDM have been identified, biomarkers to identify these women can be found which will assist the clinical process of performing genetic screening in the right subset of patients. Also for the women participating in the present study, this is of great importance as correct genetic diagnosis will provide them with the needed information to receive optimal treatment, correct plan for follow-up and a more accurate prognosis in relation to risk of future complication and therefore prevention of such.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently pregnant women diagnosed with GDM.
• Women with history of GDM (with negative GAD/IA2 antibodies if results available).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women with positive GAD/IA2 antibodies (if results available)
• Women genetically diagnosed as MODY