What is the screening criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes?

The criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes are established to identify women at risk for developing diabetes during pregnancy, which can have both short-term and long-term health implications for both the mother and the baby.

Option C sets specific thresholds for fasting and post-glucose load glucose levels that align with the guidelines from organizations such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the recommendations, a fasting plasma glucose level of 92 mg/dL or higher, a 1-hour plasma glucose level of 180 mg/dL or higher, or a 2-hour plasma glucose level of 153 mg/dL or higher meets the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes. These values are based on research demonstrating that exceeding these glucose thresholds is associated with increased adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

The other options fail to meet the established criteria. Fasting glucose levels of 80 mg/dL, random glucose levels of 150 mg/dL, and a 1-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL either do not correspond with the risk associated parameters for diagnosing gestational diabetes or provide inadequate screening thresholds as defined by the guidelines. Thus, option C correctly encapsulates the screening criteria necessary for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.