Glucose tolerance test in Israeli pregnant women.

An oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed in 1,055 healthy Israeli women at various stages of pregnancy. The whole venous blood glucose levels were higher in Israeli pregnant women than in American pregnant women. By adding 2 SD to the mean values, the upper limits of the oral GTT in the Israeli pregnant women were higher than the corresponding limits in American pregnant women. According to our results, 2.7% of Israeli pregnant women have gestational diabetes. However, if American standards are used, then 3.7% of our population would be considered to have gestational diabetes. Each population should be evaluated, therefore, according to its specific standards. The mean +/- 2 SD glucose levels of the GTT in pregnant women at age greater than or equal to 30 years were higher than those of the entire population of pregnant women. It is suggested, therefore, that the GTT of each pregnant woman should be considered according to her age-group.