Why should we monitor blood glucose levels?

The prevalence of gestational diabetes is strongly related to the patient’s race and culture. Prevalence rates are higher in black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian women than in white women. For example, typically, only 1.5–2% of white women develop gestational diabetes mellitus, whereas Native Americans from the southwestern United States may have rates as high as 15%. In Hispanic, black and Asian populations, the incidence are 5–8%. Hence, high-risk population should be screened for gestational diabetes.