# Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Germany: Temporal trend and differences by regional socioeconomic deprivation

## TL;DR

The study shows that gestational diabetes in Germany has increased over time, especially in socioeconomically deprived areas.

## Contribution

This study provides updated prevalence data and highlights regional socioeconomic disparities in gestational diabetes.

## Key findings

- The age-standardized GDM prevalence rose from 4.7% in 2013 to 8.5% in 2021.
- Higher GDM prevalence was observed in highly deprived regions compared to less deprived ones.
- The increase in GDM was consistent across all maternal age groups.

## Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. In 2012, a general screening for GDM was introduced in Germany.

The analysis is based on data from the external inpatient quality assurance for obstetrics from the years 2013 to 2021. Women with pregestational diabetes were excluded. GDM was defined either by documentation in the maternity record or by ICD diagnosis O24.4 during hospitalisation. We reported the prevalence stratified by year, maternal age and regional socioeconomic deprivation.

The age-standardized prevalence of GDM continuously rose from 4.7 % in 2013 to 8.5 % in 2021. The increase was observed in all age groups. In 2021, this corresponded to 63,563 women with GDM. The prevalence was higher in highly deprived regions than in low deprived regions.

A steady increase in GDM prevalence and evidence of health inequalities emphasise the need for primary prevention strategies for GDM.